Seek Medical Attention if Injured

Seek medical attention if you are injured. Many people are so filled with adrenalin that they do not initially feel pain. It’s not until a few hours later or the next morning that the pain kicks in. That is perfectly normal. The mistake that people make is that they hope that the pain is going to go away and do not tell a doctor. Sometimes people wait days, or longer, clinging to this hope. Insurance companies often use this “gap” in treatment as an excuse to argue that the injuries were not caused by the car accident.

Waiting to get treatment in hopes of the symptoms magically subsiding can also delay your recovery. Ironically, this can lead you to missing more work and prolong your treatment, requiring additional medical care. Many people avoid getting treatment because they don’t want to miss work, incur medical bills or because they don’t have time. Again, waiting to get treatment in the beginning can lead to additional lost time and medical bills at the end, even if you “only” strained muscles. Initial conservative treatment usually entails prescriptions for muscle relaxants and other remedies that can speed up your recovery and prevent the onset of a chronic condition.

Important Symptoms To Be Aware Of After a Car Accident

Our bodies are not designed to endure the impact of a car accident. Here are some critical symptoms to watch out for and immediately report to a doctor after a car accident.

• Dizziness, confusion, or headaches - Immediate medical attention is required if you experience dizziness, confusion, or headaches after a car accident. These symptoms could indicate a brain injury, such as a concussion, which can be fatal if not treated promptly. Brain bleeding can occur when the brain hits the side of the skull, and swelling within the skull can cause pressure that is potentially fatal. A CT scan can detect potentially fatal brain bleeds, making it crucial to seek medical attention right away.
• Shooting pain, numbness or tingling - If you experience shooting pain, numbness, or tingling that starts in your neck and goes into your arms, or starts in your lower back and goes into your legs, it could be a symptom of a herniated disc in your spine that is affecting your nerve roots. It's important to note that herniated discs cannot be detected by an X-ray, as X-rays only show broken bones. So, even if there are no broken bones, it doesn't mean there is no injury. An MRI is needed to diagnose a herniated disc, which, if left untreated, can lead to chronic problems and may require surgery.
• Trouble lifting or extending your arm - If you have difficulty lifting or extending your arm after a car accident, it could be a sign of a rotator cuff tear. An MRI is required to confirm a rotator cuff tear, as an x-ray won't be sufficient to detect it. It's important to note that a tear in the rotator cuff can start out small and may not initially cause much pain, but over time it can worsen and require surgical treatment.
• Instability and pain while walking - If you experience instability and discomfort while walking, it could indicate torn or damaged ligaments in your knee. It's important to note that x-rays cannot detect torn ligaments in your knee, and surgery is often necessary to repair them.