Delayed Injuries You Could Experience After a Columbus Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accidents can have devastating effects, both immediate and delayed. Injuries such as broken bones and cuts are immediately apparent. On the other hand, some motorcycle accident injuries may not show symptoms until hours, days, or even weeks after the accident. These injuries can include those such as mild traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries like bulging discs or herniated discs, or others. Therefore, even if you feel fine immediately after a motorcycle accident, you should seek prompt medical attention. This will allow a doctor to look for any injuries that may be hidden. A thorough medical evaluation can help ensure you receive proper treatment. It can protect your health in the long run. This article shares some delayed injuries that are common in motorcycle accidents.
Why Do Delayed Injuries Happen?
After a motorcycle accident, the body releases a stress hormone known as adrenaline. Adrenaline spikes energy levels and triggers endorphins (the body’s natural painkillers), making it easy for you to ignore any injuries you might have sustained. This temporary response can make it seem like you are fine despite potential injuries. The effects of adrenaline can last a few hours to several days. As adrenaline levels drop, the pain or symptoms of an injury may begin to emerge. This delay in the manifestation of symptoms can make it challenging to immediately assess the full extent of your motorcycle accident injuries, which is why it is vital to seek prompt medical attention.
Common Delayed Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents
The following are some delayed injuries that are common in motorcycle accidents;
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
A TBI can occur when a person suffers a jolt or blow to the head. Traumatic brain injuries are among the most dangerous and difficult to detect immediately after an accident. Even if a motorcyclist was wearing a helmet, it is possible that they may have suffered a TBI. Symptoms of a TBI may appear days or even weeks later and may include headache, vomiting/nausea, speech problems, drowsiness/fatigue, and cognitive difficulties such as memory loss.
Whiplash
Whiplash occurs when the head moves rapidly back and forth. Given the sudden acceleration and deceleration of a motorcycle accident, whiplash is quite common in motorcycle accidents. Common symptoms of whiplash include neck pain and stiffness, loss of range of motion in the neck, dizziness, headaches, and tingling or numbness in the arms.
Internal Injuries
Internal bleeding or organ damage, particularly in the abdomen and chest, is another common issue that takes time to become apparent after a motorcycle accident. Symptoms of internal injuries may include abdominal swelling or pain, blood or urine in stool, and dizziness or fainting.
Herniated Disc
This is an injury to the spine that occurs when a disc slips out of place or tears. This injury can result in intense back pain, muscle weakness, and tingling in the arms or legs.
Contact a Columbus Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
After seeking medical treatment, the next step should be consulting an attorney. If another driver’s negligence caused your injury, you may have the right to seek compensation. Our Columbus motorcycle accident attorneys at the law firm of Brian G. Miller CO., LLC are here to offer you the professional assistance you need and deserve.