Many car accidents result in life-changing consequences. Whether it is a head-on collision or a rear-end crash, it is common for there to be a substantial amount of force involved in vehicle collisions, often resulting in serious injuries to drivers, passengers, and bystanders.
One interesting phenomenon following some car accidents is that injuries (and/or the pain caused by those injuries) don’t always show up or become symptomatic until days or weeks have passed after the accident. In the initial aftermath, victims might not believe or have reason to know that they are injured at all. Below are steps that can be taken in order to better monitor yourself and your body for potential injuries after a car accident.
Car Accidents are Overwhelming
Car accidents occur suddenly and have a tendency to leave people involved feeling overwhelmed. Many car accident victims experience a surge of adrenaline and endorphins following an accident, which often have the potential to block pain. Many car accidents create an elevated level of excitement, as well, which means that a person may not notice their pain even though they are injured.
Remember, however, that even though you might feel fine after a car accident, this does not necessarily mean that you escaped without any injuries. Sometimes, after these hormones dissipate, you can begin to notice pains and other signs that you were injured in the car accident.
Soft Tissue Injuries Following a Car Accident
Soft tissue injuries involve an impact on areas other than a person’s bones. Because car accidents often result in motorists being tossed around their vehicles, the forces involved can place a substantial amount of stress on a person’s soft tissue as well as other sensitive areas. Whiplash is one of the most common types of soft-tissue injuries and occurs when a person’s neck muscles are jerked suddenly and forcefully.
The symptoms of whiplash often are not immediately apparent. These injuries can take days or even weeks to reveal themselves. Also because these injuries are not visible on x-rays, they are often particularly challenging to diagnose.
Concussions Following a Car Collision
A person’s brain is protected by both the skull and the fluid inside of it. If a person strikes their head or their body is violently shaken during a car accident, the victim’s brain might strike the inside of the skull. This can result in a concussion, which is a traumatic brain injury that does not always present with discernible symptoms. Further, these injuries are often missed by emergency personnel and emergency departments at hospitals.
Promptly See a Doctor
If you notice any pain or discomfort after an accident, you should promptly seek a medical professional. Often, it is a good idea to obtain medical attention even if you feel fine. A medical professional is in the best situation to assess whether you likely experienced any injuries in an accident. A medical professional can also provide you with instructions about how to monitor your condition.
Avoid Settling for Compensation too Quickly
After a car accident, the other motorist’s insurance carrier might contact you quickly and offer a minimal sum of money in exchange for a release that forever releases them and their insured from any further liability for the accident. Signing a release quickly following a car accident often results in missing out on substantial compensation that you would otherwise be entitled to. Instead, you should wait until you have received a full medical evaluation and have spoken with an attorney who focuses on personal injury claims before signing this form.
Speak with a Knowledgeable Car Accident Attorney
Car accidents can leave victims facing countless types of injuries. If you are impacted by a car accident, one of the best steps that you can take is promptly speak with a knowledgeable injury attorney. Contact House Law LLC today to schedule a free case evaluation.
Tags: car accident
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