Why You Should Seek Medical Attention After A Car Accident

Every single day more than 160 Virginia residents are injured in car accidents across the state. From minor parking lot collisions to high-speed highway wrecks, being involved in any type of car accident can lead to a troublesome outcome that can significantly affect your life.

In most serious accidents, first responders will quickly arrive on the scene and transport you to the closest hospital to receive the medical attention you need. But what about less severe injuries? What happens when I may not be experiencing pain or notice any physical injuries in the immediate moments following the wreck? 

Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the incident or whether or not you think you may be hurt, it is always in your best interest to seek medical attention following the accident. 

At The Thomas Law Firm PLLC, I have the experience, knowledge, and resources necessary to assist victims that are injured in a car accident. I understand the dilemmas after being in a car accident, and I am here to help. I proudly serve clients in Richmond, North Chesterfield, Henrico, and Petersburg, Virginia. 

Common Injuries That May Not Show Up Right Away 

In general, car accident injuries are separated into two categories: impact injuries and penetrating injuries. Impact injuries typically happen when a person's body hits something inside the vehicle. Penetrating injuries may be puncture wounds, cuts, or scrapes that resulted from shattered glass or loose objects flying inside the vehicle. Because the majority of individuals who experience a serious penetrating or impact injury will seek immediate medical attention, here are three common car accident injuries that may not show up right away:

Soft Tissue Injuries — These injuries occur when trauma is experienced in muscles, tendons, or ligaments. Even at low speeds, a car wreck generates a tremendous amount of force. A sudden stop or shift in body position can overload sensitive areas of the body and have a lasting impact on physical movement. Soft Tissue Injuries can include:

• Whiplash

• Sprains

• Strains

• Contusions

Concussions — A concussion may result from striking your head violently or a sudden jolt in a movement where the brain contacts the skull with tremendous force. Despite its seriousness, the initial symptoms of a concussion are subtle, and more obvious indicators may not show up right away. If you are experiencing the following symptoms, you may have a concussion:

• Clouded thinking

• Memory loss or difficulty remembering

• Inability to focus or concentrate

• Headache

• Nausea

• Dizziness or blurred vision

• Fatigue 

• Trouble sleeping

Back and Spinal Injuries — The most minor collisions can damage muscles, tendons, discs, or ligaments in the neck, upper and lower back. Besides experiencing pain, there are other early indicators that suggest a back or spinal injury has taken place. These symptoms include:

• Numbness or tingling 

• Difficulty walking, standing, or sitting

• Body stiffness or reduced mobility 

• Muscle spasms, aches, or pains

• Headaches

Reasons to Always Seek Immediate Medical Attention

There are at least three reasons to always seek medical attention immediately after being involved in an automobile accident. 

1. For Your Own Sake — In any accident, your personal health and wellness should be a top priority. Even if you think your injuries are minor, it’s always best to allow a doctor to do a physical exam and a full analysis of your health. Because your body is often running on massive amounts of adrenaline after an accident takes place, injury symptoms may not appear for days or weeks after the event. 

2. Documentation — A potential hurdle in filing a car accident claim is delayed documentation of your injuries. The longer you wait to get a medical evaluation or visit a physician, the more difficult it becomes to prove your injuries warrant the compensation you are seeking. 

3. Insurance Requirements & Considerations — Going to an emergency room after a car accident may be a requirement for your insurance company. Insurance companies often limit the amount of time a policyholder has to report an accident to be eligible for damage recovery. Additionally, if you don’t seek medical attention immediately, the insurance company will believe your injury wasn’t serious and attempt to dispute or deny your claim. 

Following Through With the Treatment Plan

For the same reasons that it’s vital to seek medical attention, it’s just as important to follow through with a treatment plan that was outlined by a doctor or physician. Doing so helps to ensure the legitimacy of your injuries and supports your claim for the amount of compensation you deserve. 

Legal Representation You Can Trust

Making the right decisions after a car accident is critical to your claim. Along with the importance of seeking medical attention immediately after a car accident, as is seeking legal representation you can trust. Mistakes can be costly, and the internet rabbit trail can lead you in many different directions. At The Thomas Law Firm, PLLC, I understand how traumatic a car accident can be and the questions that arise. Don’t allow the insurance company to undervalue your claim and deny the money you deserve for failing to seek medical attention. From start to finish, I can handle your claim and get your life back to normal as quickly as possible. If you are in the Richmond, Virginia, area or surrounding communities of North Chesterfield, Henrico, and Petersburg, get the help you need from the firm that will get results.