The human body is not designed for the forces and vicious impacts it is subjected to in a car accident.
Despite the apparent cuts and bruises, broken bones and lacerations, the body is also subject to violent physical forces which can injure soft tissue in the neck, back and shoulders.
The presence of adrenaline in your body immediately following an accident can mask pain symptoms so that you are not even aware that you have been injured.
Let’s look at what to expect physically after a car accident. Then, let’s examine what you should do to ensure that you have the best chance of launching any personal injury claims you might have in the future.
How to Deal with Apparent Injuries
Some injuries are immediately noticeable and should be treated straight away.
These injuries are easy to identify as they are accompanied by pain in the area of the injury.
Call 911 and have them check you over and treat any cuts and bruises. They may refer you to a hospital for more severe injuries.
Ensure that you document all treatments given to you and all hospital visits and follow up visits to the doctors.
Be sure to also document pain and suffering and any other strange symptoms you have in the weeks and months following the accident.
If you require long term treatment, document these too, including all expenses.
Non- Apparent Injuries
Some injuries are not immediately apparent.
You can generally expect soreness for up to six weeks after a car accident.
The presence of adrenaline can mask the pain related to some injuries.
Be aware of the pain that only appears days, weeks, or even months after the accident and document this.
This is not the time to tough it out. Instead, as soon as you are aware of issues, go see a doctor and get diagnosed. The sooner treatment begins, the sooner you can get well again.
Damage to soft tissue can take days to reveal itself. Whiplash type injuries often only surface many days after the accident. Again, document these as well as all treatments you receive.
Whiplash injuries are challenging to prove and establish, so the more evidence you retain, the better.
Monitor your body for the following symptoms for at least 2 weeks after the accident;
- Abdominal pain
- Headaches and dizziness
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Back pain
- Changes in your personality
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms
- Tingling, numbness and bruising
- Emotional distress
To Sum Up
Accidents are violent events that can cause injuries ranging from minor to severe.
All of your injuries must be assessed and treated as soon as possible. This includes emotional issues resulting from the accident.
It can take weeks and even months for some injuries to manifest.
Therefore, you should not sign any settlement agreements until you are satisfied that new injuries will not materialize.
If you sign a settlement agreement and then new injuries surface, you will not be entitled to claim for any of these.
Consult a personal injury law firm with experience to properly assess your claim and all settlement offers that may be presented to you before you proceed.
