Feel fine after a car accident? Here's why you should still consider seeking medical treatment.
So you were just involved in a car accident. Maybe it was a minor crash, such as a low impact rear-end collision. Perhaps you survived a high-impact crash with nothing more than a few noticeable scrapes and bruises.
No matter how "well" you feel after a crash, you should never assume that you can just walk it off. That's because many injuries don't produce any immediate symptoms. Even if you feel ok, you may have sustained:
- Whiplash and other spinal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries, like a concussion
- Damage to internal organs
- Internal bleeding
- Bone fractures
Why don't I feel any pain or discomfort immediately after a crash?
If you're able to get up and function perfectly fine immediately after a crash, this may be due to the adrenaline that your body naturally produces. According to hormone.org, adrenaline is your body's natural "fight or flight" response to a stressful or traumatic situation.
As a result, your heart rate may increase and a rush of blood and oxygen is delivered to the major muscles and organs. Any pain that you would normally feel when injured is significantly reduced. As your mind and body begin to unwind from the aftermath of a crash, you may start to notice some injury symptoms start to appear.
It can take hours, days, and even weeks, but common crash injury symptoms include:
- Neck stiffness and discomfort
- Pain in the back and shoulders
- Tingling or numbness in the limbs
- Head, jaw, and facial tension
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Dizziness and confusion
- Trouble concentrating
- Sleep disturbances
- Irritability and mood changes
How soon should I seek medical attention after a car accident?
Once you have gone through the standard post-crash procedures — trading insurance information with the other driver, calling the police, and speaking to witnesses — you should undergo a medical evaluation immediately.
Even if you feel perfectly fine, a medical evaluation may reveal an underlying injury or condition relating to your crash. The longer you wait to seek medical attention, the more difficult recovering from your injury may be. In addition, treating your injury will be costly and may require time away from work. The longer you wait to get a medical evaluation, the more difficult it will be to obtain compensation for any economic damages accrued from your crash.
Your next course of action should be to consult with an experienced New Hampshire car accident attorney who can negotiate with insurance companies and help you build a solid claim. The legal team at Burns, Bryant, Cox, Rockefeller & Durkin, P.A. can help maximize your compensation by:
- Gathering crucial evidence from the crash scene and police report
- Speaking to witnesses
- Negotiating for a fair settlement
- Taking the insurance companies to trial if they refuse to budge
To learn more about how we can help you, contact us online and schedule your free consultation today. Don't delay.