Becoming the victim of even a minor car crash is an unnerving experience, and If you are able to walk away without apparent injury, you are extremely fortunate.
It will be tempting to go home where you can relax and calm down, but you should stop at the emergency room or your doctor’s office on the way.
The delayed reaction
Symptoms of a condition that was not apparent at the time of the crash may not show up for a while. For example, you may begin having headaches several days later. These could indicate a head injury such as a concussion or even traumatic brain injury. Statistics gathered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that car crashes are among the leading causes of TBI. Other symptoms of head injuries include vision or hearing issues, changes in personality, impaired thinking and memory problems.
Other possible conditions
Back pain is a common problem for victims of rear-end collisions, and a doctor might find that there is damage to your muscles, ligaments, nerves or spinal column. If you begin to experience numbness, think whiplash and possible damage to your neck or spine. In fact, about 20 percent of all victims of rear-end crashes suffer whiplash and an underlying condition could be pinned down with an X-ray or MRI.
Suffering PTSD
Many people are not aware that post-traumatic stress disorder is a common result of a car crash. It is frequently seen in children who might relive the crash in flashbacks or nightmares.
Insurance issues
Another reason for prompt medical care is that the medical report will tie your injuries directly to the car crash. The insurance company representing the driver who caused the accident may try to interest you in a lowball settlement for your medical bills. Insurance company negotiation, however, is best left to an experienced personal injury attorney. After you have finished the course of treatment for your injuries, you can expect to receive full and fair compensation.
