What To Do If You Experience Back Pain After a Florida Car Accident
Florida is the site of many car accidents. Whether you’re in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples, or Port Charlotte, a car accident is always within the realm of possibility. If you get caught in a minor collision, you typically want to sort it out as fast as possible. However, what should you do if you start experiencing back pain days or even weeks after the accident?
Can a Car Accident Injury Cause Delayed Pain?
When a car accident doesn’t cause any immediately visible injuries, such as scrapes, sprains, or bruises, it can be easy to assume that you were simply lucky. That isn’t always the case.
You should be aware that car accident injuries can cause delayed pain — you might not even realize you suffered a severe injury until later. When you begin noticing pain after the accident occurred, your first step should be to consult with a doctor. The injury causing your delayed pain requires timely treatment. If your doctor finds that the injury was a result of your car accident, you may have grounds to sue for pain and suffering.
“Pain and Suffering” Explained
Pain and suffering refer to your physical and emotional pain and distress. In a personal injury lawsuit, it’s classified under noneconomic damages. If your pain and suffering were caused by the recklessness or negligence of another party, you may be entitled to compensation. Speaking to a car accident lawyer will help you understand whether or not you have grounds for a claim.
Typical Forms of Delayed Pain After a Car Accident
Back pain is not the only type of delayed pain you can experience after a car accident. You should be aware of the different forms your pain can take and ensure that you look out for them whenever you get into a collision.
- A headache — The adrenaline rush of a car accident can cause a mild headache immediately after the crash, but an intense headache that pops up later can be the sign of a more serious injury.
- Neck or shoulder ache — This is a common symptom of whiplash, but it can also indicate a herniated disc or a spinal cord injury.
- Back pain — It isn’t unusual to feel back pain immediately after an accident, but if the pain is particularly intense or persists for several days, it might be a serious issue.
- Numbness or tingling in arms or legs — A pinched nerve or a herniated disc can cause numbness to emerge a few days after an accident.
- Stomach pain — Pain or tenderness in your abdomen is a sign that you need to contact your doctor immediately. It may be an indicator of internal injuries.
- Emotional issues — Mood swings, depression, fatigue, sleeplessness, memory loss, and other emotional issues can signal the presence of a head or neck injury from a car accident.
Injured in a Car Accident? Contact a Florida Car Accident Lawyer
You can never predict the effects of a car accident. Always monitor your condition closely after an accident, so you don’t miss out on the signs of an underlying injury. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, contact our team at Avard Law Offices today — we serve victims in the areas of Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples, and Port Charlotte and help them secure compensation for their pain and suffering.