Whether you were in a car crash or took a tumble off a ladder, if you've been in an accident, you should always see a doctor. Even if you feel fine and aren't in pain, you can't be sure what sort of impact the incident had on your body internally. Some types of personal injury don't present symptoms immediately—and by the time they do, the damage is far worse than if a doctor had diagnosed the condition earlier. Learn about three such conditions below.

What Medical Conditions Don’t Show Immediate Symptoms?

1. Concussion

The brain is encased inside the protective skull. A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that results when the brain smashes into the skull. It occurs when a person knocks their head against a hard surface. In some cases, it can be caused by an extreme change in velocity that causes the neck to jerk rapidly. Symptoms include dizziness, confusion, irritability, headache, memory loss, and increased sensitivity to light. These signs can take days to appear.

2. Whiplash

Whiplash is a common personal injury after a car accident, especially rear-end collisions. It occurs when the head jerks forward violently and then snaps backward, causing the vertebrae in the neck to separate and then smash back together. Those who experience this often have headaches, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, dizziness, and pain in the neck and shoulders. However, these pains don't always manifest immediately.

3. Internal Bleeding

The body can experience internal bleeding due to a heavy external blow. For example, if a person is in a car accident and the steering wheel smashes into their abdomen, the stomach or other abdominal organs might bleed. Common signs include large bruises, dizziness, and fainting. These symptoms may be delayed by hours or days, depending on how heavy the bleeding is.

You should also get medical help immediately after an accident for legal reasons. If you pursue a personal injury claim, these health care records will serve as valuable evidence. Goicoechea, DiGrazia, Coyle, & Stanton of Elko, NV, can help you with your case. This law firm has been in business since 1974, providing knowledgeable legal counsel. Their lawyers give each client dedicated, personalized attention. Call (775) 738-8091 to request your consultation. Visit the website to learn more about these attorneys.