If you’ve been in an automobile accident, it is important to visit a doctor as soon as possible afterwards. Whether a minor fender-bender or something more serious, you could have been injured without ever realizing it. Get checked out right away, before it’s too late to make a claim.
Crash Injuries Aren’t Always Obvious
Car accidents are frightening and often cause a surge of stress hormones in our bodies. This sudden flood of fight-or-flight chemicals can mask injury symptoms for hours, days, or even weeks afterwards. Here are a few of the most common “delayed-onset” injuries that you should be aware of:
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Whiplash is a type of injury caused by the sudden forward-backward motion of the head during and after impact. It can involve bone, muscle, nerve, or other soft-tissue damage, and may not be felt for a week or more. Seeing a doctor could help identify the symptoms right away.
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Concussions are a type of injury caused by the brain slamming into the inside of your skull. A concussion may not be noticed until well after the accident, but it can be a very serious injury. This is why it’s very important to be seen fast if you think you may have hit your head.
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Back injuries can cause serious pain and difficulties long after the accident, yet are often dismissed as minor aches and pains in the days after the crash. Not being treated right away can make back injuries worse, so don’t ignore pain until it’s too late!
Never ignore ANY injuries or pain after an accident, no matter how small you think the issue may be. Visit a doctor right away so that there is medical documentation of your condition. This is especially important for injuries that worsen over time. The faster you get documentation started, the easier it will be to prove that the injuries were a result of the accident.
Not Following Medical Advice Could Hurt Your Injury Claim
After you see the doctor and get your injuries documented, it’s very important to follow any medical instructions that you’ve been given to take care of yourself—not only is it important for your health, you’ll also want to show in court that you are being compliant with medical treatment. If you are not, the insurance company’s lawyers will likely be quick to point out that you’re acting “against medical advice,” which could decrease your potential compensation.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, Steinberg Injury Lawyers have been handling cases just like yours for over 34 years. We’ve made it our job to help you seek the rightful compensation that you deserve. If you think you have a case and have any questions, we would be happy to hear from you. Call us any time, day or night, for a free consultation at 1-800-350-8888.
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