Should You Still Go to the Doctor If You Don’t Think You Have a Serious Injury After an Accident?

Car accidents are traumatic events. With thousands of pounds of metal and plastic violently slamming together, the human body isn’t equipped to handle that kind of force.

Even if your car has the best anti-crash technology, injuries can happen. If you can’t see an injury or you don’t feel pain, you may assume you’re okay. However, injuries may not physically appear until a day or two after your accident, and internal injuries like whiplash and injured organs can occur without you even knowing. After a car accident, you should always go to the doctor. For more information, read on.

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How Adrenaline Affects You After a Car Crash

After a sudden and frightening event like a car accident, your body generates adrenaline –– known as the “fight or flight hormone” –– and endorphins that can mask the pain you’d feel if you had been hurt in a different scenario. Adrenaline raises your heart rate, dilates your pupils, and increases how much sweat you produce so you can deal with the danger you’ve encountered.

Just because you feel physically fine after an accident does not mean you’re not injured. It may take hours for your chemical levels to return to normal, meaning some time may pass before symptoms begin to show.

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When to See a Doctor After a Car Accident

Most medical and legal professionals advise seeing a doctor immediately following a car accident. Perhaps nothing is wrong, but you’ll feel far better consulting a doctor immediately. If you wait until pain begins, your condition may have worsened. Medical records will also be helpful when filing a lawsuit against the responsible party. If you see a doctor right away for a diagnosis, that will establish proof of your injury and solidify your case for compensation should you choose to file a claim.

Common Car Crash Symptoms

Untreated car accident injuries, however minor they may seem, could lead to severe damage to your body. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should consult a doctor who can determine if it’s a sign of something more serious:

  • Neck pain or stiffness
  • Headaches
  • Numbness
  • Back pain
  • Swelling or bruising

These symptoms may not appear until a few days or even weeks after the accident. Even though you physically feel fine, you may have sustained injuries, which is why you should always consult a doctor following a car accident.

Male Motorist With A Whiplash Injury after a Car Crash Getting Out Of the Vehicle before calling The Barnes Firm Injury Attorneys
Male Motorist With A Whiplash Injury after a Car Crash Getting Out Of the Vehicle before calling The Barnes Firm Injury Attorneys

Common Car Crash Symptoms

Untreated car accident injuries, however minor they may seem, could lead to severe damage to your body. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should consult a doctor who can determine if it’s a sign of something more serious:

  • Neck pain or stiffness
  • Headaches
  • Numbness
  • Back pain
  • Swelling or bruising

These symptoms may not appear until a few days or even weeks after the accident. Even though you physically feel fine, you may have sustained injuries, which is why you should always consult a doctor following a car accident.

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Traumatic Brain Injury Caused by a Car Accident

An extreme danger following a car accident is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). When cars collide, your head jolts with a shocking amount of force. Car crashes could lead to your head hitting the steering wheel, window, or headrest. The violence of the impact causes the brain to hit the skull, leading to lasting consequences. Some symptoms of a TBI are:

  • Short-term memory loss
  • Inability to concentrate or stay awake
  • Confusion or dizziness
  • Nausea and vomiting

If any of these symptoms appear after a car accident, it’s vital to seek medical attention. The symptoms may feel minor but seeing a doctor could save your life.

What to Discuss With Your Doctor after a Crash

When meeting with your doctor, it’s essential to be extremely honest about the accident. Being open about your pain will allow the doctor to provide the best care possible. Don’t just tell the doctor your back hurts. Instead, explain to them how the crash happened. Describing how the accident occurred may allow the doctor to pinpoint the pain faster.

During your check-up, you may want to know what the next few weeks or months will look like regarding your treatment. Understanding the physical and financial costs upfront will let you prepare yourself better. A clear understanding of your healing prognosis is also vital to know as it can fuel your determination to get back to normal. Your doctor’s insight could also be beneficial to your lawyer when trying to determine a fair settlement.

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Attorneys Defending Car Crash Victims

If you’ve been in a car accident, contact The Barnes Firm. A top-rated personal injury attorney can help you navigate the complexities of your injury case. We are a group of experts who can handle a case of any size.

At The Barnes Firm, our top priority is making sure all of our clients receive high-quality service and the compensation they deserve. Our trusted attorneys have assisted clients for decades. Call our office or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation.

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