Not all car accident injuries are immediately obvious, even to the injured party. Indeed, delayed pain is a common phenomenon following a car accident. For people in Maryland who have been injured, it is important to carefully assess any injuries following a crash and not sign any release of liability until after a medical examination. Some types of pain that can arise days or weeks after a crash include headaches, neck pain, back pain, numbness, tingling and abdominal pain.
Headaches, neck pain or back pain after a car accident
Headaches may be indicative of a personal injury sustained due to a car accident, even if they do not develop until some time after the accident occurred. A headache could indicate that the person has suffered a concussion, whiplash, blood clot or brain injury. With neck injuries the effects of whiplash are often not immediately felt. Pain in the neck or shoulders might also be a sign of a herniated disk or another spinal injury. Back pain too can mean that the person has suffered a whiplash injury or muscle damage.
Numbness, tingling or abdominal pain
Numbness or tingling that develops in the time period after a car crash could mean that a nerve has been pinched or otherwise damaged. This is especially likely if numbness or tingling is felt in the arms, hands, legs or feet. Abdominal pain may be a sign of serious injury as well. It could mean there is internal bleeding. As with the other types of delayed injury pain, abdominal injuries may not be symptomatic for days or weeks after the event.
Waivers of liability
The at-fault party in a car accident or, more likely, the insurance company liable for handling the claim, may ask a person to sign a waiver of liability. It is a good idea simply to avoid signing anything until all the facts are known. Signing a waiver may relinquish important rights.