Symptoms You Should Not Ignore After a Car Accident

After a car accident, most people immediately look for signs of a serious injury. If they see no fractures, open lacerations or other visible wounds, they may think they are fine. However, there are some common delayed or minor symptoms that may indicate a severe injury.

Today, PKSD discusses how to watch for these symptoms and why you should always seek medical care after any car crash.

Learn more about your legal options, including whether you may have a case. Call our firm day or night to schedule a completely free consultation to learn more. Our Milwaukee car accident lawyers are experienced and prepared to help.

Always Seek Medical Care After an Accident

While the symptoms of some injuries may be delayed, the damage begins immediately after the accident. Delaying medical care can have serious, permanent or, in some cases, fatal results.

No Medical Record, No Evidence of Injury

On the legal side, if you fail to see a doctor after a collision, it may be harder to pursue compensation. Seeking medical care not only protects your health, it also creates a credible record that links any injuries to the accident.

If you delay or fail to seek medical care, any claim you pursue could be significantly devalued or even denied. Without medical records, the insurance company has room to argue that there is no proof your injuries were caused by the crash.

Minor Symptoms May Cause Long-Term or Permanent Damages

As with any injury, getting treatment sooner often improves your chances for a better outcome. Many internal injuries cannot be seen. As a result, serious damages may occur without the victim knowing it. Common internal injuries may include:

• Head trauma, such as a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord injury
• Internal organ damage
• Internal bleeding
• Eye injuries, such as a retinal tear or retinal detachment – these injuries require immediate treatment to avoid permanent vision damage or blindness.

Serious Injuries That Often Begin With Minor or Delayed Symptoms

Minor or delayed symptoms may be hiding a more serious injury. Failing to be examined by a medical professional after a car accident may leave you vulnerable to further damages.

It is important to mention that even if you go to the doctor after an accident, you should mention the parts of your body that hit or were struck by another object.

For example, tell your doctor if your head hit the windshield or something jammed into your abdominal area. These comments provide additional information to your doctor about where you may have suffered an injury.

Serious Injuries With Delayed or Minor Symptoms

• Serious head injuries: Headaches, dizziness and nausea may be some initial symptoms for a TBI or concussion. Other common signs include ear ringing, difficulty with balance, extreme fatigue or mood changes, vision changes, such as blurriness, memory or concentration problems and changes in sleep patterns. A TBI or concussion may occur not only if you strike something hard, like a car door, but also if your head was jolted with a sudden force.
• Abdominal pain: Stomach pain combined with nausea, and sometimes even bruising, may be a sign of internal bleeding. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the symptoms you are experiencing.
• Numbness or tingling: This is a symptom often associated with a pinched nerve or herniated disc. When ignored or untreated, it is likely to worsen and result in more severe pain and other complications.
• Back pain: There are many different types of back injuries that you can suffer in a car crash. From a milder sprain or soft-tissue injury to a herniated disc or spinal cord injury. It is sometimes difficult to tell how severe an injury is without further diagnostic testing.
• Neck and shoulder pain: Whiplash injuries are very common in a car accident, but they differ in severity. If you suffer a neck injury, you should wait for medical assistance in case you have a fracture. Moving the wrong way could further damage your spinal cord or cause paralysis.
• Soft-tissue injuries: Torn ligaments, muscle injuries, serious sprains and strains, and other damages to connective tissue are all examples of a soft-tissue injury. Without proper medical care, some soft-tissue injuries may not fully heal and continue to cause you pain.

Contact Our Qualified Attorneys for Legal Help

Getting immediate medical care is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your health. It is also important if you intend to pursue an injury claim to recover compensation. This is just one reason to seek legal help after a car accident caused by another’s negligence.

At PKSD Law, we know what it takes to protect a legal claim – and we are prepared to fight for maximum compensation on your behalf. We are ready to help you understand more about the legal process, so bring your questions. Your initial consultation is completely free of cost or obligation. If we represent you, there is nothing to pay up front. We do not collect our fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Millions Recovered. Find out if you may have a case. Call: 414-333-3333