Should You Seek Medical Care After a Car Accident if You Feel Fine?

You are driving from work, school, or a friend’s house when suddenly you are involved in a car accident. Because you feel you are not hurt, you wonder, “Should I seek medical attention?” So, should you seek medical attention after a car accident if you feel okay? Yes, you should seek medical attention after a car accident, even if you think you are not hurt. Just because you cannot see an injury or don’t feel any pain does not mean you are fine. Just because you cannot see an injury does not mean it is not there.

The Effects of Adrenaline on Car Accident Victims

After a car accident, you may assume you are fine because you can’t see blood or feel broken bones. You may believe you are uninjured because you can move normally. However, just because you can move normally and can’t see blood or feel broken bones does not mean you are uninjured. After an accident, the adrenal glands produce hormones, including adrenaline, that help regulate how you respond to stress. Adrenaline can mask pain and injuries. Usually, pain sets in after the adrenaline ends.

Because the adrenaline the body produces immediately after a car crash can mask pain and injuries for hours or even days, you should seek medical attention immediately after a car crash. A doctor can diagnose you and confirm if you are injured or not. If you do not feel pain or can’t see blood or broken bones immediately after a car accident, you may have suffered an injury that is not easily visible. Some injuries that can take time to become apparent after a car crash include the following;

• Internal bleeding
• Soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash
• Head injuries

Soft tissue injuries, for example, usually result in pain, reduced mobility, and swelling. However, these symptoms may not be apparent immediately after a crash. They may take days or even weeks to manifest. Seeing a medical doctor is key to preventing such injuries from worsening.

Seeking Immediate Medical Attention Is Crucial for Your Legal Claim

After a car accident, it is vital that you seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel uninjured, to protect your health. Additionally, seeking prompt medical attention is crucial for your legal claim. In South Carolina, when another party’s negligence results in a car accident, the victim can hold the negligent party liable for the resulting injuries and damages. Seeking prompt medical attention can help you connect your injuries to the accident and prove their severity. With your medical records, you can be able to prove the severity of your injuries and the link between your injuries and the collision.

Because of the importance of medical records, it is crucial that you maintain all your medical records after you seek medical attention. Start a file to collect any medical records related to the injuries you sustained in the car crash. If you file a personal injury claim, your attorney will use this file to prove the cause and severity of your injuries. You should also track your medical expenses and other accident-related damages and losses, such as property damage, income loss and pain and suffering. The at-fault party might also be required to compensate you for other accident-related damages and losses.

Contact the Gus Anastopoulo Law Firm

After you seek medical attention for your accident-related injuries, contact our skilled Charleston car accident lawyer for guidance on how to proceed with your car accident claim.