The Importance of Medical Visits After a Car Accident

Hidden injuries occur when you don’t feel any pain or symptoms after a crash. These injuries can take several hours, days, and even weeks to produce symptoms. But they can range from inconvenient to potentially life-threatening if not addressed early on.

Some common hidden injuries after a car accident include:

• Whiplash: This injury typically happens in rear-end collisions when the head and neck rapidly move back and forth. It places strain on the soft tissue in the neck and can lead to neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and loss of range of motion.
• Concussion: A concussion occurs due to violent shaking or a blow to the head. It often results in loss of memory, cognitive issues, headaches, sleep disruption, and mood changes.
• Soft tissue injuries: These injuries affect the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. While you might not feel any symptoms right away, swelling, bruising, and loss of range of motion may occur.
• Internal injuries: These injuries are particularly dangerous because they affect the internal organs. This can also include internal bleeding.

What Is the Golden Hour for a traumatic injury?

The "Golden Hour" for a traumatic car accident injury is the critical time frame during which swift medical attention can significantly impact your chances of survival and recovery. During this period, immediate medical intervention can prevent complications, reduce the risk of long-term disability, and increase the likelihood of a positive outcome. 

Not seeking medical treatment after a car accident can lead to serious health complications. In extreme cases, it can lead to death. Many injuries, especially internal injuries or traumatic brain injuries, may not exhibit immediate symptoms but can worsen over time. Delaying treatment can allow these injuries to progress unchecked.

Even if your injuries seem minor, it's crucial to see a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. Some injuries may not show immediate symptoms but can become more serious if left untreated.

After seeking initial medical attention, comply with the treatment plan prescribed by your doctor. This may include taking medication, attending physical therapy, or undergoing surgery.

Give your body the time it needs to heal. Get adequate sleep, avoid strenuous activities, and follow your doctor's advice regarding activity modification.

How long after an accident can injuries show up?

Some injuries appear immediately after a crash, especially if they’re severe. Some injuries can take a few days to produce injuries, while others can take weeks.

It’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible after a car accident to identify hidden injuries. You can also get the appropriate treatment before your injuries create future complications. The longer you wait, the worse your injury symptoms will likely be and the more difficult it will be to build a strong claim.
 

When you pursue a claim, insurance companies will look for personal injury records to understand the nature and severity of your injuries. They also need to determine the appropriate compensation. Medical records provide details on the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, helping insurers assess the validity of a claim.

Insurance companies want to ensure that the injuries claimed are directly related to the car accident and not pre-existing or caused by other factors. Medical records help establish the cause of your injury.

Most personal injury settlements range from $10,000 to $100,000. It’s not easy pinpointing how much money you’ll get in a settlement until your attorney has completely built your case. This requires tallying up your existing medical costs, lost wages, property damages, and pain and suffering.

An attorney will also factor in future damages, depending on the severity of your injury. For example,  you may need to attend physical therapy appointments for a certain number of months. You may also not be able to attend work during that time.

If you’ve been hurt in a crash, car insurance injury payouts don’t come easy. The at-fault driver’s insurance company may be quick to dispute your claim, reduce their payout, or prolong the settlement process. They may even offer you a quick lowball settlement in hopes that you’ll accept it.

Don’t handle your car accident claim alone. Get a Law.com Premier Attorney on your side who can help you level the playing field. An attorney will fully investigate your crash and handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies. You only have to focus on your recovery.

To get started on your claim, contact a Premier Lawyer in your area and schedule a free consultation. Can’t afford an attorney? No problem! Premier Lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay unless they recover damages on your behalf.