Riding a boat, going off-roading on an ATV, or taking a cross-country road trip are great ways to enjoy the summer. A fun family vacation can turn dangerous when a motor vehicle accident occurs. Even if everyone could leave the scene of the accident with only scrapes and bruises, someone may have experienced an injury that takes days or weeks to develop seriously.
Despite all the fun to be had in the summer, summertime also brings an increase in accidents. Recognizing early signs of delayed injuries can help victims seek the medical attention they need to protect their health. Here are a few of the most common delayed injuries and their signs:
Brain damage
Accidents can shake up a person and leave them in a vulnerable state. It is easy for victims and their loved ones to overlook signs of major injuries like a concussion or blot clot in the brain. Prolonged headaches, dizziness, nausea, and memory troubles can indicate a life-threatening injury.
Internal bleeding
Internal bleeding is deadly because of how easily someone can miss the injury. If a victim has experienced fainting, headaches, deep bruising, purple patches of skin, or dizziness, they may be suffering from internal bleeding from somewhere in the body.
Spine and damage
The spinal column is very delicate, and a violent impact and severely disrupt the integrity of the spine. Tingling or numbness in parts of the body are signs of both minor and severe nerve damage. Back injuries can occur at slow speeds and fast speeds, so make sure you are not confusing sore muscles with damage to the spinal column.
Neck and shoulder pain
Whiplash may be the most infamous injury that occurs in motor vehicle accidents, but it does not always appear immediately. When a joint suffers from overextension, stiffness, worsening pain, loss of function, soreness, and tenderness can occur in the afflicted area. Ignoring these signs can result in lifelong complications from whiplash.
Play it safe
If you suspect you may be suffering from a delayed injury from your accident, see a doctor immediately. Ignoring the signs of bodily harm can create negative consequences for life that a victim could have avoided.