Seek Medical Attention if Injured

It is important to get medical help if you've been injured. Adrenaline can mask the pain that may initially occur after an accident. However, it might not be apparent for hours or days.

If you delay medical treatment in the hopes that your symptoms will disappear, it can hinder your recovery. Insurance companies often use delayed treatment to argue that an accident is not responsible for injuries.

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 - If you encounter dizziness, confusion, or headaches after a car accident, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention. These symptoms could be indicative of a brain injury, such as a concussion, which can have fatal consequences if left untreated. The impact of the brain against the skull during the accident can result in brain bleeding, and swelling within the skull may create potentially life-threatening pressure. Undergoing a CT scan can help identify any potentially fatal brain bleeds, emphasizing the critical importance of seeking prompt medical attention.

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. It is crucial to understand that herniated discs cannot be detected through X-rays, as they primarily reveal fractures in bones. Therefore, the absence of broken bones does not necessarily imply the absence of an injury. To diagnose a herniated disc, an MRI is necessary. If left untreated, a herniated disc can lead to chronic issues and potentially require surgical intervention.

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. An x-ray alone is inadequate to detect a rotator cuff tear, and an MRI is necessary for confirmation. It is crucial to understand that a tear in the rotator cuff can begin as a small injury with minimal pain initially, but it can progressively worsen over time and potentially necessitate surgical intervention.

Instability and pain while walking -Instability and discomfort when walking could be signs of damaged or torn ligaments. Note that x-rays cannot detect these ligament tears and surgery is often required to repair them.