After a car accident, it’s normal to feel fortunate that you were able to walk away without immediate pain or a clear injury. That has to mean you’re in the clear, right? Not always.
Adrenaline and shock can mask injuries for hours or even days after a collision. In many cases, symptoms of a herniated disc, whiplash, bulging discs, or those related to spinal injuries do not appear right away.
For accident victims throughout the Lowcountry, understanding delayed symptoms is crucial after a collision, not only for protecting your health but also for preserving evidence in a potential personal injury claim.
Our team is here to explain why delayed spinal and disc symptoms occur, the warning signs to watch for, and when you should seek medical and legal help.
Why Do Some Car Accident Injuries Have Delayed Symptoms?
When a traumatic or highly stressful event occurs, your mind activates your fight-or-flight response, which stiffens muscles to brace for impact.
During this process, adrenaline and endorphins are released. Adrenaline is the adrenal hormone that gives you awareness and energy during times of increased stress or anxiety. Endorphins are peptides in the brain that help block pain, giving you a feeling of wellness.
The reason these chemicals mask injuries is so you, the accident victim, can find the path to safety. While you’d think damage to your skin or joints would still be felt during this process, that’s not necessarily true.
When your fight-or-flight response kicks in and your muscles stiffen, it can reach such a magnitude that the muscles develop spasms and mask the pain. It may take hours, days, weeks, or even months for the muscles to relax and allow the pain to set in fully.
Common Delayed Spinal and Disc Symptoms After an Accident
As your injuries begin to make themselves known, symptoms aren’t far behind. Here are the most common delayed spinal cord injury symptoms, as well as other spine-related symptoms:
Neck Pain
- One of the most common delayed symptoms
- Symptoms may include neck stiffness, limited range of motion, pain when turning your head, muscle tightness, and headaches
Back Pain
- Muscle strain
- Ligament injuries
- Herniated discs
- Joint inflammation
- Compressions injuries
Nerve-Related Symptoms
- Tingling sensation
- Numbness
- Burning pain
- Weakness in the arms or legs
- “Pins and needles” sensation
Headaches
- Headaches may be associated with whiplash-related injuries, concussions, muscle tension, and irritation to the cervical spine
It’s important to understand that herniated disc symptoms can look similar to those of a spinal cord injury, including arm or leg pain, numbness or tingling, and muscle weakness. If you are experiencing effects related to a disc herniation and symptoms of a spinal cord injury, seek medical help immediately.
Delayed Symptoms? Here’s What You Should Do Next
If you’re experiencing delayed pain after an accident, you still can seek compensation in most cases. What can affect your ability to seek compensation is signing a release of liability form. A release of liability ends the lawsuit and any future claims related to the crash.
While it’s normal for the injured party to sign this form, it’s critical to avoid signing it before being examined by your doctor and talking with a skilled car accident attorney in Charleston. If you sign a release of liability before your symptoms have a chance to appear, you could lose out on compensation.
Confused on What to Do Next After Your Delayed Car Accident Symptoms? Contact Hoffman Law Firm for Help
Those moments after a car accident are defining, and while those immediate details matter for your case, your injury and pain may be hiding behind adrenaline and shock. After your accident, call on our trusted team at Hoffman Law Firm.
We can help you navigate those next steps, keep track of medical records, and support you throughout your recovery. If you’ve been injured, leave it to Hoffman.
With offices in Georgetown, SC, and Charleston, SC, our personal injury law firm supports accident victims throughout the Palmetto State. As the leading workers’ compensation lawyers in Charleston and Georgetown, we have established a reputation for success and exceptional service.
Schedule your free consultation today with a personal injury attorney in Charleston or Georgetown, SC, and we will take it from there.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is unique, and the application of subrogation laws depends on the specific facts and insurance policies involved. Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Hoffman Law Firm is licensed to practice law in South Carolina.
