No one wants to think about what would happen in the event of an automobile accident, however, thousands of individuals are tasked with dealing with the consequences of being in an accident every single day. While there are psychological and financial consequences to manage, the most immediate one to handle after a wreck is the physical injuries – as these present the most danger to a person’s life and wellbeing.
When people think about the injuries related to being in a car accident, the most common ones that come to mind are broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and head trauma. Fortunately, not all wrecks result in catastrophic injuries. While injuries are likely to occur, many are easily recovered from. But no matter how you feel after an accident, the most important thing to do is to seek medical attention.
The Importance of Seeking Medical Attention After a Crash
If you’ve only been in a minor fender-bender, you may not be experiencing any injury symptoms. This does not mean, however, that you have not sustained injuries. It’s crucial to seek medical attention soon after a crash for a number of reasons.
First, your health and wellbeing should always be prioritized. It’s important to remember that not all injuries are visible and not all injuries appear right away. During a wreck, adrenaline builds in your body and could mask symptoms or pain you would otherwise likely feel. If you don’t want to take a trip to the emergency room, consider scheduling an appointment with your primary care physician as soon as possible. A doctor will be able to conduct an examination that will let you know if you have any injuries you may be unaware of.
There are serious injuries, like concussions or internal damage, which are also unlikely to present themselves right away. These injuries can lead to more serious conditions and your recovery process could be extended significantly.
Seeing a doctor after your accident can also strengthen the claim you file with the insurance company. It can be difficult to seek compensation; however, having documented medical proof that shows you were injured is hard to argue against.
The Injuries You’re Most Likely to Sustain After an Auto Collision
The severity of injuries varies greatly after an accident based on the speed the vehicles were traveling, the types of vehicles involved, the location and force of impact, and the age and health condition of those injured. Catastrophic injuries occur most often in accidents involving a tractor-trailer and a smaller passenger vehicle. Most collisions, however, involve only one or two passenger vehicles.
Immediately following an accident, a person is likely to experience a rise in blood pressure, dry mouth, headache, stomach distress, confusion, and hypervigilance. These are often a result of the spike in adrenaline or emotional shock.
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries a person is likely to sustain. It occurs when the head and neck are propelled forward while the rest of the body stays in place. While rarely life-threatening, whiplash can cause severe pain that can last for months.
Bruising and lacerations are also common. Even in a minor crash, occupants are likely to forcefully come in contact with parts of the vehicle. Cuts or scrapes on the face are likely in the event a person comes in contact with the steering wheel, airbag, or window. Occupants are also likely to sustain bruising on their midsection as a result of the seatbelt keeping them in place.
Recovering from a Car Accident
Recovery looks different for every accident victim. Some individuals may only need to rest for a short time and take physical activities easy until they feel better. Others who sustain more serious injuries could need to undergo surgeries or attend physical therapy to restore order to their body. No matter what your recovery process is, it’s crucial to follow your doctor’s orders.
Following your doctor’s orders will not only ensure your recovery goes as planned, but it will also improve your chances of receiving the compensation you need to get your life back in order. Ignoring what your doctor tells you could have a negative effect on your health and make the insurance company think your injuries are not as bad as described by your doctor.
If you’ve been in an accident in Columbia or elsewhere in Missouri, you may benefit from seeking legal representation from Thomas Law Offices. We’re here to provide accident victims with the help they need to seek the compensation they deserve from the party that caused their wreck. Don’t wait to learn about your legal rights and options.
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