You should always seek medical attention after a car accident, regardless of how you feel afterward. You won’t always feel the immediate symptoms of specific injuries, but they could have lasting effects later on without a proper diagnosis and treatment.
A Diagnosis Could Reveal Underlying Injuries With Lasting Effects
Some injuries won’t have noticeable symptoms immediately, but carry long-term health complications if left unchecked. Without a medical evaluation, you will not know the true extent of your injuries. If you wait, symptoms could worsen, and your condition may end up worse than if you had sought medical attention immediately.
Certain car accident injuries, such as concussions, whiplash, or back injuries, can have long-term effects if not treated medically. These types of injuries might result in chronic discomfort, headaches, or even irreversible complications if you do not see a doctor because you feel fine initially.
Some Fractures Don’t Become Apparent Until Later On
Sometimes, your body may not indicate signs of broken bones right after your accident. Most prominently among these instances is a “stable” fracture—a condition where your bone has broken but has not been knocked out of place or fully fractured.
Without a diagnosis, an injury like this could go unnoticed for days, and continued pressure or strain on the limb could worsen your condition and result in a more severe injury.
You May Be Bleeding Internally
The physical trauma inflicted on car accident victims can cause the blood vessels in the body to rupture, resulting in internal bleeding. There are many symptoms of internal bleeding that you may feel over time, such as the following:
- Dizziness
- Bruising
- Inflammation
- Pain
- Swelling
- Fatigue
- Lightheadedness
You may “shake off” these symptoms after a car accident. But if you don’t receive proper medical care, they can worsen and lead to more serious medical concerns. Internal bleeding can be fatal if neglected for long enough.
You Could Have a Traumatic Brain Injury
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can develop if you strike your head or if your head is violently whipped around during a collision. This may occur if the car flipped, spun, deployed its airbag, or in any other way caused you to hit your head or sustain whiplash.
Per Mayo Clinic, a TBI may have some effects directly after your crash, while other symptoms may not appear until days or even weeks later. Some of the symptoms of TBI include:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Loss of consciousness
- Sleep issues
- Memory problems
- Emotional instability
- Difficulty communicating
- Mood swings
- Seizures
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), traumatic brain injuries can be mild, moderate, or severe. However, even a mild TBI (concussion) is not to be taken lightly. The effects of a TBI can be temporary or permanent, depending on the severity of the injury and how quickly you seek medical attention.
Your condition could be fatal if you have a serious injury but do not see a doctor as soon as possible after a car accident. The best chance you have of a full recovery is to get a proper diagnosis as soon as possible to avoid any potential medical complications.
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The Importance of a Prompt Medical Diagnosis If You Seek Legal Action
Seeking immediate medical care after a car accident has additional benefits besides giving you your best chance at a full recovery from any injuries. If you’ve been in a car accident at the hands of a negligent driver, it is your right to file for compensation for your damages. A clear diagnosis of your injuries will benefit your case and help determine what damages you’ll be eligible for.
Additionally, if you wait to seek medical care, the at-fault party may claim that your injuries came from something other than the car accident. Seeking prompt care creates an undeniable link between your injuries and the accident.
Should I Speak to Insurance Companies About My Accident?
It is in your best interest to avoid communicating with any insurance provider until you have legal counsel and an accurate diagnosis. The insurance company’s main concern is to save money; if you provide them information that makes them think you are not hurt, but that turns out not to be true, it could have a detrimental effect on your potential claim.
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Get Help With Your Car Accident Claim Today
Our car accident lawyers at Jenner Law would be happy to represent your case if you are interested in seeking legal action through a personal injury claim. Contact us today for a free consultation.