4 Reasons You Shouldn’t Delay Injury Treatment After an Accident
If you’ve been in a car accident, you may wonder whether you should see a doctor if your injuries aren’t immediately apparent. Car accidents—even minor fender benders—can be physically and emotionally traumatic. In some cases, the damage doesn’t present itself until days or weeks after the incident.
Some car accident victims may brush off the situation and skip a visit to the doctor. This is a poor decision since all car accident survivors should visit their doctor right away after a collision, no matter how seemingly minor it was. Here are four reasons you shouldn’t delay injury treatment following a car accident.
1. Some Injuries Don’t Cause Pain Right Away
The rush of emotions after a collision can make it hard for those involved to think straight. Some car accident survivors experience shock that causes them to overlook their pain. Whiplash, back pain, and even minor fractures often aren’t felt until days or even weeks after the incident. If you delay making a visit to your doctor, these hidden injuries could become worse with certain motions or activities. It’s important to schedule a visit with your doctor immediately after an accident so you don’t cause future harm.
2. You May Have Internal Bleeding.
Several situations can cause internal bleeding, like tightening of the seatbelt during impact, contact with an airbag, or contact with the steering wheel. If you’re feeling dizzy or faint, or you notice bruising, swelling, or inflammation, don’t ignore these symptoms—you could be dealing with internal bleeding. A doctor can determine the extent of your injuries and treat any instances of internal bleeding, which is fatal when left untreated.
3. You May Need a Brain Scan.
Traumatic brain injuries are common in collisions where vehicles roll, flip over, or are spun, and it takes a brain scan to identify them. If you’ve hit your head in a collision, see a doctor right away since symptoms don’t always present themselves immediately. TBI can worsen over time and cause significant health problems, so seek medical attention without delay.
4. Doctors Properly Document Injuries.
Only a doctor can appropriately document injuries caused by a car accident. A full examination and diagnosis are essential components of any personal injury case, and insurance companies only accept medical information from qualified healthcare professionals. By documenting your diagnosis and treatment, you have a better chance of collecting damages in court.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately Following a Car Accident
If you’ve been in a car accident, even a minor impact can have a significant effect on your overall health. You need to make an appointment with your healthcare provider immediately since undiagnosed and untreated conditions could get worse. The team at Impact Medical Group – Sarasota can help you recover from an accident, providing expert treatment to manage pain and preserve your mobility. Call us today at (941) 222-1157 to schedule your free consultation.