4 Symptoms You Should Never Ignore After a Car Accident

Some injuries are obvious and require immediate attention. However, what may seem like a minor ache at the crash site may actually be an early sign of a life-changing injury. That’s why you should always seek medical treatment after a crash, no matter how “minor” your bumps and bruises seem.

At Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys, we’ve been helping Alabama and Mississippi car accident victims for decades. During that time, we’ve handled thousands of legal claims involving both common and unusual injuries. In this blog, we discuss some of our clients’ most frequent symptoms and injuries— and explain when you should seek immediate medical care.

Look Out for These 4 Common Signs of a Serious Injury

After a catastrophic car accident, it’s easy to minimize your pain. Your body is filled with adrenaline, and you may be concerned about a loved one with more serious injuries. However, you also need to take your health and safety seriously.

Here are four symptoms that you should never ignore after a car accident or truck wreck.

1. Pain Running Down a Leg or Arm: Back and Spine Injuries

Many people don’t realize that a series of nerves run from your spinal cord to almost every other part of your body. For example, a herniated disc in your neck can lead to shooting pain or discomfort in your arm or shoulder. Similarly, damage in your low back can lead to leg pain, muscle weakness, or even bladder and bowel problems.

If you experience any of these symptoms after a car crash, do not ignore them. Instead, immediately seek medical care—you may need surgery to prevent further damage.

2. Joint Pain or Lack of Mobility: Shoulder, Knee, and Other Injuries

If you suddenly can’t lift your arm, you’ll probably go to the doctor. However, more subtle limitations in your “range of motion” are sometimes minimized and ignored. However, these symptoms may be signs of a serious joint shoulder, knee, or hip injury, like a rotator cuff tear, torn ACL, or labral tear.

While you may not need surgery, joint injuries often require intensive physical therapy, pain management, and orthopedic treatment.

3. Loss of Consciousness: Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Even losing consciousness for a split second or “seeing stars” may be a sign of a TBI. Unfortunately, undiagnosed brain injuries and delayed treatment can significantly slow down your recovery. You should also seek treatment if you struggle with headaches, mood changes, balance issues, concentration problems, or ringing ears after a car accident.

4. Deep Bruising and Swelling: Internal Bleeding

External bleeding is easy to spot, but internal bleeding is subtler and easier to miss. Many factors can cause internal bleeding during a crash, including quick deceleration, external pressure from a seatbelt, and blunt force. Sometimes, your organs will hit each other, causing bleeding. Other times, a broken bone can internally scratch or puncture another body part.

Lightheadedness, swelling, seizures, and large purple patches of skin are all signs that you’re bleeding internally. If you notice any of these symptoms, you must seek medical attention right away.

Hurt in a Car Accident? An Injury Lawyer Can Help

After a serious car accident, it’s natural to have questions and anxiety. You may wonder how long it will take before you’re back on your feet, how active you’ll be once you recover, and how you’ll be able to afford your bills.

Thankfully, you don’t have to deal with this uncertainty alone. Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys has recovered hundreds of millions for its clients—and we’re not afraid to do what’s right.

Depending on your situation, an at-fault driver and others may have to compensate you for your:

• Medical and therapy bills
• Medications and medical devices
• Long-term care
• Lost wages and income
• Pain and suffering
• Improvements you need to live independently, like wheelchair ramps
• Damaged vehicle and property

RELATED: 5 Reasons to Call a Personal Injury Lawyer

Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys: Fighting for Victims With Catastrophic Injuries in Mississippi and Alabama

Everyone deserves to travel safely on Mississippi and Alabama roads. However, this isn’t always the reality for victims impacted by drunk, distracted, and negligent drivers. If you or someone you love are suffering terrible physical injuries after a crash, don’t wait to get help.

At Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys, we will meet with you in-person for a free, no-risk consultation to hear about your case and offer real-world legal advice about what to do next. We can even come to your home if that’s most comfortable for you! To schedule your evaluation, don’t hesitate to call our office at 251-888-8888 or fill out our quick and easy online contact form.

The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.