In the aftermath of a car accident, your first instinct may be to check for any obvious injuries or seek immediate medical attention if you’re in pain. However, some injuries from a crash are not immediately apparent and might only show symptoms days after the incident. At Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC, we understand how challenging it can be to navigate the complex aftermath of an accident. Many individuals experience delayed injury symptoms that can range from mild discomfort to severe complications. Recognizing these symptoms early on is critical to avoiding long-term health issues. In this guide, we’ll discuss the most overlooked injury symptoms that often surface days after a crash, what to look out for, and why timely medical care is essential.
Whiplash and Neck Pain: A Common Yet Overlooked Injury 
One of the most common injuries resulting from a car accident is whiplash. This injury occurs when the neck is jolted suddenly, causing the muscles and ligaments to strain. Often, the pain or stiffness caused by whiplash may not appear immediately, and it can take anywhere from 24 to 72 hours for the full symptoms to manifest. Victims of rear-end collisions are particularly susceptible to this injury, but it can occur in any type of crash.
At first, you may feel fine, but as the day or two passes, the muscles in your neck may start to tighten, leading to headaches, dizziness, and difficulty moving your head. The longer whiplash goes untreated, the more severe it can become, leading to chronic pain or long-term discomfort. If you’re experiencing any stiffness or pain in the neck area days after an accident, it’s crucial to consult a medical professional to determine the extent of the injury and begin treatment early.
Back Pain and Nerve Damage: Signs That Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Back pain is another symptom that often shows up after a crash, especially when the vehicle’s impact causes the spine to jolt. Sometimes, this pain won’t be noticeable immediately after the crash, but it can intensify over time, particularly in the lower back. Injuries like herniated discs, muscle strains, or nerve damage might not present obvious symptoms until several days later.
The pain may start as mild discomfort but gradually become more pronounced, affecting mobility or even causing numbness or tingling sensations. Nerve damage, in particular, can lead to significant complications if not properly addressed. If you experience lower back pain or pain radiating to the legs or feet days after a crash, it’s important to undergo diagnostic tests, such as MRIs or X-rays, to evaluate the extent of the injury. Early intervention can prevent further damage and ensure that you’re not left dealing with lifelong issues.
Benjamin J.
Andrews
Partner
Robert
Maranto
Partner
Tom
Kotrys
Partner
Robert J.
Maranto, III
Attorney
Thanon
Rezvi
Attorney
Concussions and Headaches: Recognizing the Signs of a Brain Injury
Concussions are often difficult to diagnose right away, as their symptoms can be subtle in the immediate aftermath of an accident. A mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) might not cause immediate symptoms such as dizziness or confusion but can lead to persistent headaches, memory problems, or sensitivity to light and noise days later. The brain can take time to react to the shock of a collision, and the true extent of the injury may not be clear right after the crash.
If you experience consistent headaches, trouble focusing, or even short-term memory loss days after an accident, you could be dealing with a concussion. It’s important to seek medical evaluation as soon as these symptoms appear. Concussions, when left untreated, can cause long-term cognitive issues and may lead to more severe complications over time.
Abdominal Pain: A Hidden Sign of Internal Injury
One of the more serious yet often overlooked symptoms of a crash is abdominal pain. Internal injuries may not be immediately noticeable, but internal bleeding from organs like the spleen, liver, or kidneys can lead to delayed pain and discomfort. Even if you don’t feel any pain right after an accident, abdominal symptoms can slowly appear in the days following the crash, often as a result of trauma to the body’s internal organs.
Symptoms like persistent or severe stomach pain, dizziness, nausea, or fainting could indicate internal bleeding or organ damage. This is a medical emergency, and if you experience any of these symptoms after a crash, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial. Early diagnosis can prevent serious complications or even save your life.
The team is very personable, patient and empathetic with their clients. They are upfront with you and will explain the entire process with you, they never lead you to believe otherwise, they tell you like it is and will not sell you a million dollar dream. Trust in Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC, they work for you and he looks out for your best interest.”
- Jane D.
Shoulder and Arm Pain: Delayed Symptoms of Nerve or Muscle Injury
Pain in your shoulders, arms, or hands is another delayed symptom that can occur after a car accident. While it’s easy to associate pain in these areas with muscle strain, shoulder or arm pain may actually be caused by nerve injuries, such as brachial plexus injuries or herniated discs that compress nerves in the spine. These injuries may not show immediate signs, but as time passes, pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness can occur in the upper extremities.
If you notice persistent pain or weakness in your arms or shoulders days after an accident, it’s important to seek evaluation from a healthcare professional. Nerve damage can be complex and difficult to treat, and ignoring it could lead to long-term or permanent damage.
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Psychological Effects: Emotional Trauma and PTSD
The psychological effects of a car crash can sometimes be overlooked or dismissed because they are not visible. Emotional and psychological trauma can set in after an accident, leading to symptoms of anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The stress of being in an accident can lead to nightmares, flashbacks, and constant feelings of unease, which may not appear immediately but can develop in the days following the crash.
If you’re feeling anxious, irritable, or overwhelmed days after a crash, or if you’re having difficulty sleeping or concentrating, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional. Emotional trauma can have a significant impact on your ability to recover physically and should be addressed with the same urgency as physical injuries.
Why Timely Medical Care is Crucial
Even if you don’t notice symptoms immediately after an accident, it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Many injuries, especially those that involve soft tissue damage or internal trauma, can take days to become apparent. Getting checked by a healthcare professional early on ensures that any potential injuries are properly diagnosed and treated before they worsen.
At Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC, we advocate for the rights of accident victims and work to ensure that your medical needs are prioritized as part of your personal injury claim. Recognizing delayed symptoms and taking action early can make a significant difference in your recovery process.
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After a crash, the road to recovery isn’t always straightforward. While some injuries are immediately obvious, others may take days to manifest. It’s important to monitor yourself for any signs of delayed symptoms and seek medical care as soon as possible. The longer you wait to address symptoms, the more difficult it can become to treat the injury effectively.
If you’ve been involved in an accident in Buffalo and are experiencing any delayed symptoms, don’t wait to get help. The team at Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC is here to provide the legal support you need to navigate your injury claim while ensuring that your medical concerns are addressed. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.