Car Accident Lawyer

Injuries sustained from a car accident have a sneaky way of going undetected, only to pop up a few days, weeks, or months later. If you are not sure whether or not you have been injured in a car accident, follow the guidelines below to make sure you haven’t sustained any major injuries.

First, Seek Immediate Medical Attention

No matter how well you feel or how minor your injuries appear, always seek immediate medical attention after a car accident. Whether that means riding in an ambulance to the hospital, being observed by an EMT at the scene, or visiting an urgent care on your own, make sure a medical professional performs the exam. Internal injuries and traumatic brain injuries are not always apparent on the surface, a professional medical exam can help determine if you are in danger of suffering from such an injury.

Next, Monitor Your Physical and Mental Health

In the days and weeks after the car accident, be aware of the following common signs of an underlying car crash injury:

Headaches

While very common after car accidents, headaches/dizziness can also be indicative of serious problems, like a blood clot, concussion, spinal injury, or head injury.

Loss of Memory, Vision, Hearing

Any sort of noticeable difference in your cognitive and sensory abilities may indicate a serious underlying injury, like a concussion or traumatic brain injury.

Neck Stiffness

Pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders are common symptoms of whiplash, which often occurs in slow speed rear-end collisions, but can be very painful and dangerous.

Numbness in Arms and Hands

Numbness in the arms and hands is another symptom of whiplash, often caused by a neck or spinal cord injury.

Persistent Back Pain

Back pain is common after an auto accident, often it will go away on its own. But if the pain persists, it might be the result of a pinched nerve or torn ligament.

Abdominal Pain or Swelling

If dark purple bruises or swelling appear in the abdominal area, that may be a sign of internal bleeding and should be treated by a medical professional immediately.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Car accidents are traumatic experiences. Afterwards, many people experience nightmares, insomnia, flashbacks, and unpredictable emotions. If these symptoms persist for longer than three months, cause great distress, and/or disrupt a person’s personal life, seek help from a mental health professional.

Next, Document Your Injuries

If you pursue a personal injury claim, you will want to create a record of your injuries and treatment. This includes:

• Obtaining medical records from the ER, Urgent Care, medical exams, MRIs, surgeries, physical therapy sessions, etc.
• Taking photos of visible injuries and their progression
• Keeping a journal cataloging your pain and progress.

Remember, the most important goal is to make you healthy and whole again.