Delayed pain after a car accident may be a sign of something serious

If you're able to walk away from the scene of a crash without a debilitating injury, consider yourself lucky. That doesn't mean you haven't sustained an injury that needs medical attention.

You may not have had any noticeable pain or symptoms immediately after your crash due to shock and adrenaline. Days later, you may begin to experience pain or discomfort that you didn't have before your crash.

Should I see a doctor for pain and discomfort after a crash?

Seeing a doctor may be the last thing on your mind if you didn't sustain a noticeable and serious injury at the time of your crash. You may be more concerned with ensuring that you have transportation or money to repair your car.

It's absolutely critical that you see a doctor promptly after being involved in a crash. Some of the most common types of injuries that cause pain and discomfort include:

• Whiplash — The soft tissue in the neck can get damaged due to the impact of a collision. Symptoms often include neck pain and stiffness, tingling in the limbs, loss of neck mobility, fatigue, and headaches.
• Concussion — A bump on the head during a crash can be more serious than you think. The symptoms of a concussion can include headaches, nausea and vomiting, confusion and disorientation, dizziness, fatigue, and mood changes.
• Neck, back, and spinal injuries — Damage to the vertebrae or discs in the spine can cause back or neck pain, tingling or burning in the limbs, or sciatica (nerve pain in the lower extremities).
• Soft tissue injuries — Trauma to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments during a crash can cause sprains, strains, tears, and bruising.
• Hairline fractures — The force of a crash can cause bones to crack or break, but still remain in place. Hairline fractures can cause serious pain, swelling, and inflammation at the site of the injury. If this injury isn't treated promptly, it could lead to a compound fracture.

What should I expect from my doctor's appointment?

During your initial medical evaluation, your doctor will perform a physical examination to determine the source of your pain. You may also undergo an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan to look for abnormalities in the spine, joints, muscles, brain, or bones.

Common treatments for car accident injuries include:

• Medication for pain and inflammation
• Ice/heat treatment
• Rest and time off from work
• Physical therapy
• Holistic treatment, such as chiropractic or acupuncture
• Surgery (in severe cases)

How can I be compensated for my financial losses after a crash?

There can be a lot at stake after a car accident. You may be faced with mounting medical bills and lost wages while you're unable to work. On top of that, the insurance company representing the at-fault driver may take advantage of your financial situation and make you a lowball settlement offer. Without an experienced lawyer on your side, you may end up accepting a settlement from the insurance company that covers only a fraction of your losses. Once you accept a settlement offer, you typically waive your right to pursue any additional compensation.

That's why it's critical that you avoid speaking to the other driver's insurance company and get an experienced Omaha car accident attorney on your side. Contact the legal team at Ausman Law Firm today to learn about your legal options. We offer free legal consultations to our clients.