Seek Medical Attention if Injured

Seek medical attention if you are injured. Most people feel little to no pain at first because they are filled with adrenalin. The pain typically doesn't start until several hours after the accident, or even the following morning. This is extremely normal. Unfortunately, many people make the mistake of hoping that their pain will go away, and not telling a doctor. Some people hold on to their hope for days or even longer. Insurance companies use this "gap in treatment" as an excuse to argue the injuries weren't caused by the accident.

Waiting and hoping that the symptoms will magically disappear can also cause you to ultimately miss more work, prolong your, treatment, and require additional medical care in the long run. Most people don't seek treatment because they are afraid of missing work, incurring medical bills or not having enough time. Even if your "only" strain is a strained muscle, delaying treatment can result in additional time lost and medical costs at the end. The initial conservative treatment is usually prescribed muscle relaxants or other remedies to speed up recovery and prevent chronic conditions.

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 - It is important to seek medical attention immediately if you experience dizziness, headaches, or confusion after a car crash. Untreated, these symptoms may indicate a brain injury such as concussion. Brain bleeding can occur when the brain hits the skull in an accident. Swelling within the skull could also cause life-threatening pressure. A CT scan will help to identify any potentially deadly brain bleeds. This highlights the importance of receiving prompt medical care.

Shooting pain, numbness or tingling - If you experience shooting pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates from your neck into your arms or from your lower back into your legs, it may be indicative of a herniated disc in your spine affecting your nerve roots. Herniated disks are not detectable by X-rays because they only reveal bone fractures. The absence of a broken bone does not mean that there is no injury. An MRI is required to diagnose a herniated disk. Untreated herniated disks can cause chronic problems and require surgery.

Trouble lifting or extending your arm - If you experience difficulty lifting or extending your arm following a car accident, it could indicate a possible rotator cuff tear. A rotator cuff injury cannot be detected by an x-ray. An MRI is required to confirm the diagnosis. A rotator-cuff tear can start as a minor injury, with little pain. However, it can worsen over time.

Instability and pain while walking - A torn or damaged ligament could cause instability and discomfort while walking. It is important to note that x-rays are unable to detect ligament tears, and often surgery is required to repair these.