For many reasons, some individuals do not seek immediate medical attention after a motorcycle accident. In the shock of what just happened, they may believe themselves to be uninjured or not seriously injured, or they don’t want to overreact to the situation.
However, it’s important to note that some symptoms of serious injury do not make themselves known until days, weeks, or months later. Here are some signs to look out for that could point to a motorcycle accident injury.
Headaches
Headaches are one of the most common symptoms after a motorcycle accident - and one of the most overlooked. Headaches can be a sign of other things - migraines, stress, or a cold - so people often don’t give it much thought. However, if you were involved in a motorcycle accident, it could mean a concussion or something more serious, such as a traumatic brain injury.
Neck and Shoulder Pain
Some may attribute this to tension or getting a bad night of sleep. However, neck and shoulder pain could point to more serious injuries if you were involved in a motorcycle accident. It may mean that you sustained nerve damage, a muscle or joint injury, tissue damage, or even a spinal cord injury.
Abdominal Pain and Nausea
Pain in your abdomen may be the result of internal injuries that take a period of time to manifest. It could point to internal bleeding or a punctured organ. Internal bleeding can go undiscovered for days and can be life-threatening, so it’s always imperative to be on the safe side.
Always Seek Immediate Medical Attention
While you may not think you are injured after an accident, do not wait to seek medical attention! As we discussed, some injuries have delayed signs and you may not be immediately aware of an injury without a proper medical diagnosis.
Seeking medical attention is essential to ensuring your physical health but also making sure your rights to compensation are protected. If you wait to seek medical attention, the insurance company may try to claim that your injuries were not sustained in the accident, leaving you with out-of-pocket expenses.
If you’re injured in a motorcycle accident, our firm is here to help you pursue a claim. Contact McNabola & Associates at (312) 888-8700 to schedule your free consultation.