A vehicle accident in Terre Haute, Indiana is commonly an uncertain and scary time for drivers not only dealing with insurers, but possible injuries, too. Some accident injuries are not always noticeable at first because of the body’s fight-or-flight response masking symptoms. However, a driver may experience several types of pain.
Radiating Pain
Radiating pain, sometimes called radicular pain, may occur at the skull base or run between the arms, legs and spine. This type of pain is commonly accompanied by numbness and weakness on one side.
A common example of radiating pain from a vehicle accident includes sciatica, affecting a nerve that extends from the lumbar on the lower back to the lower leg. The impact from an accident may force the lower back out of alignment or cause it to rotate on one side.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is pain that commonly persists for more than 12 weeks, even with treatment. An example of chronic pain includes whiplash, which occurs from the violent jerking of the neck back and forth.
Another injury that may cause chronic pain is a herniated disc. A herniated disc means that the cushion between the vertebra bulges, putting pressure on the spinal cord.
Delayed Pain
Besides whiplash, several injuries are commonly delayed, and they do not seem serious at the time of the accident. An abdominal injury may not appear for several hours or days after the accident.
However, abdominal pain could be a sign of internal bleeding that causes dizziness, fainting, headaches and purplish skin. Back pain, especially in the lower back, may indicate a pinched nerve, herniated disc, sprain or whiplash.
An MVA injury often changes the quality of life, so a driver should seek treatment immediately. Injured drivers can sue the party responsible for the accident with the help of an attorney.
