The high speed and force in severe car collisions can cause significant trauma to your body, but the extent of your injuries might not be immediately apparent.
An adrenaline rush can mask many potentially life-altering injuries, with symptoms appearing anywhere from a few hours to several weeks after the incident. These common injuries could result in delayed symptoms.
Whiplash
When you are in a car crash, especially a rear-end collision, the quick back-and-forth whiplash motion can severely damage the muscles, nerves, or bones in your neck, even a low speeds. Symptoms can include neck, shoulder, or back pain, headaches, and limited range of motion, but it might take days or weeks to start experiencing them.
Concussion
The sudden jolt of a collision can cause your brain to bounce, twist, or bump into your skull, sometimes resulting in a change in brain function. The symptoms of a concussion are often alarming and can include:
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Memory loss
If you have delayed symptoms, you might not show clear signs of a concussion for up to two days after your incident.
Internal bleeding
The impact of a collision might jostle your organs and cause dangerous internal bleeding that is difficult to detect. These injuries are common if you collide with the steering wheel or dashboard during the crash. Seeing a doctor after an accident can help prevent long-term side effects.
When you experience a traumatic event, your body releases adrenaline and endorphins to reduce pain. When these chemicals wear off, you could start to experience symptoms from one of these injuries.
