Car accidents are traumatic experiences, and they often result in immediate physical injuries that are easy to detect, such as broken bones, bruises or cuts. However, some injuries may not show symptoms right away and can develop over time, potentially leading to long-term health complications. These are known as delayed injuries, and it’s crucial to recognize the importance of seeing a doctor immediately, even if you don’t feel hurt right after the accident.
At the Dinizulu Law Group, we understand how overwhelming it can be to recover from a car accident. In this blog, we’ll explain why delayed injuries are common, why seeing a doctor right after an accident is essential and how seeking medical care can protect your health and strengthen your legal case.
What Are Delayed Injuries?
Delayed injuries are injuries that don’t immediately show symptoms after an accident. The body often releases adrenaline in response to the trauma, which can mask pain and other symptoms right after the accident. As the adrenaline wears off, injuries may begin to manifest.
Common examples of delayed injuries after a car accident include:
- Whiplash: A soft tissue injury to the neck caused by the sudden jerking motion of the head during a collision. Symptoms can take hours or even days to appear.
- Concussions: Brain injuries caused by a blow to the head. Symptoms like dizziness, headaches and confusion may not appear immediately.
- Spinal Injuries: Damage to the spine or nerves that might not show symptoms until days or weeks later, potentially causing chronic pain or mobility issues.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to organs, such as the spleen or kidneys, which may not be immediately apparent but can cause serious complications.
- Herniated Discs: The sudden impact of a crash can cause the discs in your spine to rupture, but symptoms like numbness or pain may not occur for a while.
Why You Should See a Doctor Immediately
- Early Detection and Treatment
Seeing a doctor right after an accident, even if you feel fine, is critical for early detection of injuries. A medical professional can identify injuries that you might not be aware of and recommend the appropriate treatment. Addressing injuries early increases the likelihood of a full recovery and can prevent long-term complications. - Protecting Your Health
- Car accidents can cause more than just surface-level injuries. For example, internal bleeding or a concussion may not show symptoms for hours or even days. Delayed treatment for these conditions can lead to serious, even life-threatening, complications. Seeking medical care promptly ensures that your health is prioritized and any serious injuries are treated before they worsen.
- Establishing a Medical Record for Your Claim
If you decide to pursue a personal injury claim, having a documented medical record is essential. Insurance companies and courts will look at your medical records to determine the extent of your injuries and the timeline of your treatment. If you wait to see a doctor or fail to seek care right after the accident, it may be difficult to prove that your injuries were caused by the collision, potentially affecting your compensation. - Symptoms Can Be Masked by Adrenaline
After an accident, your body releases adrenaline as a natural response to stress, which can temporarily mask pain and symptoms. This can give you a false sense of security, leading you to believe you are uninjured. However, adrenaline wears off, and you may start feeling pain or discomfort days later. Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, it’s important to seek medical attention to ensure that no underlying injuries are overlooked. - Strengthening Your Personal Injury Case
In Illinois, personal injury claims, including those from car accidents, rely on having strong medical evidence. Seeing a doctor as soon as possible creates a clear link between the accident and your injuries, which can strengthen your case. Insurance companies are more likely to offer fair compensation when you can prove that your injuries were promptly diagnosed and treated.
What to Expect During Your Doctor Visit
When you visit a doctor after a car accident, they will conduct a thorough physical examination and may recommend diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, MRIs or CT scans, to identify any hidden injuries. Depending on the severity of your injuries, the doctor may refer you to a specialist for further treatment or rehabilitation.
Make sure to document your symptoms and tell your doctor about any pain, discomfort or changes in your health, even if they seem minor. The more detailed your medical records are, the stronger your personal injury case will be.
Contact the Dinizulu Law Group Today!
Car accidents are unpredictable, and injuries don’t always make themselves known right away. Even if you feel fine after a collision, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent long-term health issues and create a clear record for any personal injury claims you pursue.
At the Dinizulu Law Group, we are committed to helping victims of car accidents navigate the aftermath, ensuring that they get the care and compensation they deserve. If you’ve been involved in a car accident and are experiencing delayed injuries, don’t wait— contact us today to discuss your case and schedule a consultation with our experienced legal team. Call us now at (312) 384-1920 to learn what your options are.
