If you are involved in a car accident, you may feel fine at the scene. This false sense of not feeling any aches and pains may make you believe you didn’t suffer an injury.
Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case.
Your body’s fight or flight response activates when in a highly emotional situation, like an accident. The adrenaline released can mask injuries, leaving you feeling fine only to discover hours, days or weeks later that you are dealing with a potentially serious injury.
Because there is such a high possibility of hidden injuries after a car accident, you can’t put off or refuse medical care. This can cost you in several ways.
Common types of hidden injuries after a car accident
You can experience all types of trauma after a car accident. Common injuries that can take time to show and develop include the following:
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Brain injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal injuries or internal bleeding
If you don’t seek medical treatment right after an accident, these injuries can become worse and even life-threatening.
Your ability to make a car accident claim
Putting off medical treatment may also impact your ability to file a car accident claim against the at-fault party for damages. The other party may claim that you were not injured because you waited to receive treatment or that your injuries are not as serious as you claim. This can greatly impact your ability to receive any monetary damages.
Protecting your health and right to damages
Seeking medical treatment directly after a car accident is highly recommended. Doing so will ensure all injuries are found and treated and that you can collect monetary damages if they are deserved. Knowing your legal rights will help you see why medical treatment is a must.