Drivers who get into a car accident in Texas may not think anything is physically wrong with them, especially if it was a minor fender bender. However, even small car accidents can result in bodily injury, and victims should not ignore symptoms, or else it can lead to major issues in the future. Some symptoms take time to appear, so it is important to handle things correctly with the insurance company and other driver so the proper party pays for injury treatment.
According to KTAR News, there are certain symptoms that commonly occur up to days or even a week after an accident. Stiffness is one of them. It is common for tightness and pain to occur in the neck, shoulders and back. Whiplash is a typical injury after a crash, especially with rear-end collisions. With it, there is damage to the ligaments, nerves and muscles in the neck, and getting treatment right away can minimize pain and other issues. Other common symptoms that may take a little time to show up include:
- Numbness in the hands and arms
- Headaches
- Abdominal swelling or discomfort
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Impaired memory or physical movement
FindLaw outlines steps all drivers should take after an accident to ensure proper treatment and compensation when delayed symptoms occur. People should wait to sign a liability release. This keeps the claim open so drivers have time to visit the proper healthcare provider and receive the necessary treatment. It can also take a period of time to return to maximum medical improvement, so one should not feel pressured to sign off until a doctor gives the ok.
