Persistent pain after a Long Island car accident: what to do next

What should you do if you were involved in a Long Island car accident and are suffering persistent or worsening pain days after the accident? A common injury suffered by car crash victims (especially those who have been rear-ended) is whiplash, a serious, soft tissue injury known for producing increasing pain and stiffness in the neck, back and shoulders.

Whiplash symptoms may not emerge for some time after an accident because soft tissue inflammation can take time to develop. Initially, people who do not know they have whiplash may just think pain is just strained muscles that will eventually recover. However, taking ibuprofen for whiplash symptoms only temporarily relieves pain. Once analgesics wear off, inflammation and pain can return and intensify.

Other Causes of Persistent Pain after a Car Accident

People suffering constant headaches following a car crash may have suffered a concussion that does not cause unconsciousness. Chronic headaches are also a sign of possible injury.

Pain, burning sensations and numbness in the arms and legs may indicate compression of spinal nerves produced by vertebrae that have been displaced due to severe jolts occurring during an accident. Sciatica is a form of nerve compression pain. Unless treated, sciatica symptoms could worsen, reducing your ability to walk and even cause incontinence.

Internal injuries can affect Long Island accident victims without them knowing it. A small blood vessel rupture around or within the major organs may increase gradually in the days following an accident. Persistent pain in the abdomen accompanied by nausea, vomiting and weakness should be evaluated by a physician as soon as possible to prevent internal hemorrhaging.

When to Call a Car Accident Attorney

If you did not visit a doctor after involvement in a Long Island car crash but begin suffering from body pain hours or days after the accident, you may want to make an appointment with your doctor and contact a William Mattar lawyer without delay. Persistent pain conditions may require surgery, hospitalization and extended recovery times. We may be able to help you obtain adequate compensation to pay for your damages. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation appointment.