Whether it’s mentally, physically or financially, car accidents can seriously affect the lives of everyone involved. In the immediate aftermath, a mixture of shock and confusion can happen. Because of the rush of adrenaline and emotions, it can be easy to miss pain or discomfort in unusual places. In many cases, delayed injuries can appear minutes, hours, or even days after a car accident. Whenever pain suddenly appears after an automobile accident, it’s crucial to visit a doctor as soon as possible in order to rule out anything more serious. As stated by a car accident lawyer, “It is natural to feel overwhelmed as an injured accident victim.” Here are 5 of the most common car accident injuries to look out for:

Numbness and tingling: Not all injuries start off with a direct, shooting pain. In some cases, an injury can present itself in a tingling or numbness sensation. This type of sensation can be related to common car accident injuries such as whiplash or damage to the nerves surrounding the spine. There are many professionals that can help and diagnose these types of symptoms including doctors, physical therapists, and chiropractors. 

Neck pain: The appearance of neck pain can be a sign of a potential spinal cord injury. This can appear as stiffness, soreness, and a limited range of motion. The most common neck injury in a car accident is whiplash. Whiplash happens from the quick motion of the head being jerked quickly from a still position. If the cause of the pain isn’t whiplash, it could be a more serious spinal injury. 

Back pain: In addition to whiplash and spinal injuries, back pain that develops after a car accident can be a sign of a herniated disc or soft tissue damage. This can also include spinal misalignments that can put pressure on nerves that surround the spinal cord.

Headache: One of the most common complaints after a car accident is a headache. In most cases, they will go away on their own. But sometimes, headaches can be a sign of something more serious such as a blood clot or a concussion. A serious concussion and head injury can lead to bleeding or bruising of the brain. If you have a serious head pain after a car accident that starts immediately or hours later, contact a doctor immediately. 

Stomach Pain: The rush of emotions can cause an unsettled feeling, especially in the abdomen. Stomach pain can actually be a sign of abdominal bleeding caused by the impact and the tightening of the seatbelt. If severe stomach pain happens after the accident and the intensity of the pain increases, contact a doctor right away.

Car accidents can have a lasting effect on those involved, especially in the days after. If you’ve been seriously injured in a car accident, do not hesitate to get checked out by a doctor right away to rule out any injuries that may appear later on.