It can be hard to tell whether you've been hurt after a car accident. Some people feel fine immediately after a collision, and others don't realize they've been bleeding internally until days later. Here are some symptoms to watch for after an accident:

Infection. Although many minor injuries don't cause any symptoms immediately, some may trigger an infection that can lead to organ failure. Organ failure often takes three to four weeks to show itself. A report from the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine reports that many people who died in car accidents did not experience symptoms until several weeks after the collision. So, it's important to watch for signs of infection after a car accident.

Headache. Most people experience a rush of adrenaline and shock right after a collision, but you might not feel the physical effects immediately after the crash. A severe headache can be a sign of traumatic brain injury or a concussion, which can cause memory and concentration problems. If your headache is persistent and accompanied by dizziness, you might have suffered a brain injury. This type of injury will require medical treatment, but it can be life-threatening and can result in death.

Besides bruising, you should also be aware of possible internal bleeding. Internal bleeding can be a sign of internal trauma and requires medical attention to stop the bleeding. You may also have pain in your abdominal area, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, you may experience bleeding into your body's soft tissues or even your heart muscle. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms after a car accident, seek medical help right away.

Internal bleeding is another common symptom of a car accident. It happens without puncturing the skin. The more force a car crash exerts, the greater the chance of internal bleeding. Internal bleeding is often not visible, so you should seek medical treatment immediately. A quick trip to the hospital will help you get the medical treatment you need. When the bleeding is severe, you'll need to seek medical attention immediately. When it's too late, you may be left without the money to pay a doctor.

While you're waiting for medical care, you can monitor your own symptoms for a few days after an accident. If any of the symptoms persist for more than a week, call a doctor. It could be whiplash, a condition affecting the neck. Whiplash may cause neck pain, back pain, and shoulder pain. Whiplash symptoms can also be life-threatening. So, keep an eye on yourself immediately after an accident.