In the immediate aftermath of a car crash, the rush of adrenaline can make it difficult to assess your situation clearly. If you appear uninjured, you might be tempted to simply dismiss the incident and head home. However, a temporary feeling of “fine” is often misleading. Nany significaint injuries have delayed symptoms. Please continue reading as we delve into the crucial reasons why a medical evaluation after a collision is essential, protecting both your physical well-being and any potential future insurance or legal proceedings. Contact our experienced Suffolk County Injury Lawyers to protect your rights and interests.
Why Do People Avoid Seeking Hospital Care Following an Accident?
Following a collision in New York, the body’s stress response (adrenaline surge) can mask pain and injuries, causing a person to feel “fine at the scene” only to recognize problems hours or days later. Furthermore, certain injuries, like whiplash, soft-tissue damage, concussions, and some internal injuries, often have a delayed onset of symptoms. Due to these factors, medical professionals advise a comprehensive evaluation after a crash, even without immediate, severe symptoms.
What Are the Risks of Delaying Medical Treatment?
Putting off medical treatment can turn serious but initially symptom-free conditions into much worse problems. For instance, what seems like a simple headache might actually be a traumatic brain injury (TBI), or mild abdominal discomfort might be a sign of internal organ damage. Additionally, delaying seeking medical care can significantly weaken a personal injury claim. Opposing parties can use a gap in treatment to argue that the injuries were not serious or were caused by something that happened later.
Where Should You Go?
Immediate emergency care (911 or the nearest ER) is crucial if you experience critical symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, significant bleeding, loss of consciousness, severe headaches, vomiting, trouble speaking, obvious bone fractures, or severe neck, back, or abdominal pain, as these often indicate life-threatening injuries requiring urgent treatment.
If, however, your symptoms are not severe or life-threatening—perhaps just mild soreness or stiffness—you have options for seeking non-emergency medical attention. You can either visit an urgent care facility the same or next day for an evaluation, or schedule a prompt appointment with your primary care physician within the week.
Regardless of where you seek treatment, be sure to clearly inform the provider that your symptoms stem from a car accident and detail every symptom, no matter how minor it appears, to ensure they can recommned appropritate next steps, which may include imaging, medication, or referrals to specialists like a neurologist, orthopedist, or physical therapist.
Even if you feel fine, this does not guarantee you are uninjured. Delaying a doctor’s visit can significantly impact both your health and any potential claim. At Castro & Trodden, LLC, we are prepared to help you fight for the justice you deserve. Connect with our firm today to schedule a consultation.
