The Hidden Injuries You May Not Feel Right Away
After a car crash, you might be thinking to yourself, “I’m okay”, and it’s not uncommon to feel that way – especially given the shock and adrenaline that’s flooding your body. But as those stress hormones wear off, pain and other symptoms can suddenly appear – often hours, days, or even a week later. Houston auto accident lawyer Greg Baumgartner shows why you should see a doctor right away after an auto accident.
What starts as mild stiffness or a dull headache can quickly escalate into something more serious. That’s why it’s vital to get yourself checked out by a doctor right after an accident, even if you’re feeling fine. A medical professional can spot hidden injuries early, protect your health, and provide all the documentation you may need to support an insurance or injury claim down the line.
Why Pain and Symptoms Can Take Time to Show Up
When you’re involved in a crash, your body goes into overdrive. Adrenaline and endorphins flood your system, masking pain and helping you stay alert – at least for a little while. Once you calm down, your body begins to reveal what’s really going on beneath the surface. Your muscles tighten up, inflammation sets in, and nerves start firing off pain signals again. That’s when the real symptoms begin to take effect.
Some of the common delayed symptoms that you may experience after a car accident include:
- Persistent headaches or dizziness
- Pain in your neck or back
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Unusual fatigue or difficulty concentrating
If you spot any of these symptoms, don’t ignore them. They can be a sign of an injury that needs immediate attention.
Common Hidden Injuries After an Auto Accident
Whiplash
Whiplash can occur when your head suddenly snaps forward and then backward, as in a rear-end collision. The strain on your neck and shoulders may not feel bad right away, but within a day or two, you might notice some stiffness, soreness, or reduced movement. If you don’t get it treated early, whiplash can lead to chronic pain or long-term mobility problems.
Head and Brain Injuries
Even if you didn’t hit your head, your brain can still get injured from the force of the crash. Concussions and other brain injuries can start with vague symptoms like headaches, confusion, blurred vision, or mood changes. If left untended, these can become serious and affect memory, focus, and overall mental health.
Back and Spine Injuries
Back pain after a crash can be muscle strain – or something much more serious, like a herniated disc or spinal nerve injury. Because spinal damage can get worse over time, it’s essential to get your back checked out by a doctor as soon as you can.
Internal Bleeding or Organ Damage
Some of the most serious injuries are invisible to the eye. Internal bleeding or organ damage might not show obvious signs at first, but as hours or days pass, you may feel dizzy, weak, or notice deep bruising and swelling. These are emergencies that require immediate care.
Why Prompt Medical Attention is So Important
Getting checked out by a doctor right after your accident does more than just protect your health; it also protects your rights. Docs can document your injuries and create a medical record that clearly shows how your symptoms are connected to the accident.
If you wait too long to see a doctor, the insurance companies are likely to argue that the crash didn’t cause your injuries or that they aren’t serious. Acting quickly will ensure that your injuries are taken seriously and that you have the necessary documentation for a fair settlement.
How Doctors Detect Hidden Injuries
Today’s medical technology makes it easier than ever to identify internal or soft tissue injuries. Depending on your symptoms, doctors might use:
- CT scans or MRIs to find internal bleeding, fractures, or brain trauma
- X-rays to check for bone and spinal injuries
- Ultrasound to detect damage to internal organs
- Neurological exams to assess brain and nerve function
Getting these tests done early can prevent long-term damage and speed up your recovery.
How Delays in Getting Medical Care Can Hurt Your Injury Claim
Waiting too long to get medical help can have serious legal consequences. If you don’t see a doctor right away, the insurance company might say your injuries aren’t related to the crash or that they aren’t as severe as you claim.
Medical records are some of the strongest evidence in a personal injury case. They show not only that you were hurt but also how the injury has impacted your daily life, work, and finances.
What to Do After a Car Accident
- See a doctor as soon as possible, even if you feel okay. Some injuries may not appear for some time.
- Keep records of everything: including copies of medical records, photos of your injuries, and a detailed record of your symptoms.
- Follow your treatment plan, and ensure you attend all scheduled follow-up appointments.
- Talk to a personal injury attorney, who can help you navigate the claims process and protect your rights.
Read More:Â What to Do After a Houston Car Accident: a Checklist
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help.
When delayed symptoms start to appear, it’s easy to be unsure about what to do next. An experienced personal injury attorney in Harris County, TX, can step right in to take the reins on dealing with insurance companies, getting together all your medical records, and making sure you get fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and lost pay.
Keeping an Eye on Your Health – and Your Future
Trying to ignore your symptoms after an accident can lead to all sorts of health problems, and it can hurt your chances of getting a fair settlement. Seeing a doctor ASAP is probably one of the most important things you can do right after a crash.
Even if you feel fine now, your body may be hiding injuries that require immediate attention. Getting in to see a doctor right away and having an experienced attorney by your side can give you the best possible chance of taking care of your health, finances, and future.
FAQ
When is it too late to see a doctor after an accident?
There is no set timeline for seeing a doctor after you have been injured in a car accident. The sooner you see a doctor, the better for your recovery and your legal case. If you delay too long, it can be challenging to establish a legal connection between the injury and the accident.
Will the at-fault driver’s insurance pay for my injuries that I did not notice right away?
Insurance companies for the at-fault driver never pay up front or reimburse you for medical expenses incurred because you were injured in an accident. They only pay once when you settle the case. It is essential that you can prove the problems you were experiencing were related to the crash. If you can’t do that, collecting from the insurance company is very difficult.
What if I don’t have health insurance?
If you do not have health insurance coverage, some lawyers can get you the medical care that you need without you having to pay out of pocket up front. The doctor receives payment from a settlement.
Contact Baumgartner Law Firm for a Free Consultation
If you have been injured in a car accident and have questions, we are here to help. For more than four decades, we have represented individuals injured in car and truck accidents and are happy to outline your rights and options. Contact us for your free consultation. (281) 587-1111
6711 Cypress Creek Pkwy, Houston, TX, 77069
(281) 587-1111
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