Why it is vital to have medical evaluations after car accidents

Many people in Delaware, will likely have their holidays spoiled this year by negligent drivers. One thing that can cause long-term health problems is declining a trip to the hospital for a medical examination. Some injuries can remain hidden, and when symptoms appear later, they might not be linked to the accident.

The following injuries can become evident days or sometimes weeks later:

• Headaches: Headaches are common in the aftermath of a car accident, but could signal a neck or head injury, concussion or even bleeding on the brain.
• Back pain: Injuries to muscles, nerves and ligaments, if left undiagnosed and untreated, could lead to long-term chronic pain.
• Shoulder or neck stiffness and pain: Often caused by the whiplash motion of the body and usually can only be diagnosed by CT scans, MRIs or X-rays.
• Numbness: Whiplash injuries can also cause loss of feeling in the hands and arms due to damage to the spinal column or neck.
• Abdominal swelling or pain: Large bruised areas, fainting or dizziness could indicate life-threatening internal bleeding or organ damage.
• Personality changes or impaired physical function: Traumatic brain injuries like concussions could impair memory, thinking, vision, hearing and mobility, and cause depression.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder: Recurring flashbacks, nightmares and vivid memories are common after car accidents.

If another person’s negligence caused car accident injuries, victims might have grounds to pursue financial relief by filing personal injury claims in a Delaware civil court. If victims declined medical examinations immediately after the accident, medical treatment for delayed symptoms and injuries might not be regarded as caused by this accident.