Being in a car accident is a shock to the system. Sometimes, resulting injuries are obvious and require immediate attention. Other injuries will not be as obvious but should still receive medical attention.
Impacts from a car accident can often result in internal bleeding and organ damage. These injuries can cause serious pain and even loss of consciousness. Many serious injuries will have symptoms, such as lightheadedness and pain; however, not all injuries are immediately evident, such as an injury that causes internal bleeding. Sometimes, serious organ damage can result even if there is little to no pain.
Why are Hidden Injuries Dangerous?
After a serious car accident, a victim can experience a rush of adrenaline. This can interfere with the ability to perceive injuries since adrenaline can mask pain. Even if one has not experienced significant pain or other symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately after a car accident. A medical exam will reveal less obvious injuries that may be quite serious. Sometimes, an injury can have a delayed onset.
What are the Signs of a Serious Injury?
There are some indicators that an injury may be serious. After a car accident, look for these signs:
- Stiffness in the neck: A common injury is whiplash, which is a soft tissue injury that can have long-lasting negative effects.
- Headaches: These can appear immediately or be delayed. Headaches can be signs of a concussion, blood clot, or traumatic brain injury.
- Back pain or numbness: This can be a sign of damage to a muscle, nerve, ligament, or vertebra.
- Mood changes: Impaired thinking, changes in vision or hearing, or depression can be signs that the accident caused psychological trauma.
How Can I Protect My Rights?
If one experiences serious injuries after an accident, it is important to have a clear record of the injuries. This will be very important in order to pursue compensation to cover costs of medical treatment. Records to be obtained include doctor visits, medical treatment expenses, receipts for prescriptions, and travel expenses. Be sure to record the names of the hospitals and doctors. It can be quite daunting to attempt to assemble these records after the fact.
It is also necessary to inform one’s insurance company after an accident. It is in the insurance company’s best interests to settle a claim quickly. Sometimes, this means that they will settle for an amount that is substantially less than what is expected. However, it is in one’s best interests to receive the maximum amount of compensation for injuries. For this reason, it is beneficial to hire a lawyer that will ensure that one receives all entitled compensation.
To aid with a successful personal injury claim, it is helpful to keep a personal record of symptoms in a journal to track recovery. It is easy to forget the stages of recovery and symptoms. Visible injuries, such as bruises and swelling, are not normally photographed during treatment. A journal will provide more vivid details. The records can provide important evidence of the extent of trauma and duration of incapacity, which can be helpful when seeking damages.
West Chester Car Accident Lawyers at Eckell Sparks Help Car Accident Victims Obtain Compensation for Serious Injuries
After an accident, it is important to seek medical attention and legal counsel. If you were injured in an accident, speak to one of our West Chester car accident lawyers at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. today. Call us at 610-565-3701 or complete our online form for a free consultation. Located in Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, we serve clients throughout Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County.