Most of the time, you can tell if you’ve been seriously injured in a car crash. However, there are some car accident injuries that take longer to appear. You may think you’re fine only to find out later that you’re worse off than you thought you were. This isn’t as unusual as you may think.
Our Atlanta car accident lawyers meet with clients all the time who didn’t realize they were hurt until days or weeks after their crash.
In this blog, we’ll explain what sort of car accident injuries take time to appear. We’ll also discuss why it’s so important that you seek medical treatment immediately after your accident.
Some Car Accident Injuries Aren’t Obvious Right Away
Many injuries show up almost immediately after your accident. These are usually identified by the EMT workers and police at the scene.
Some of the injuries you may notice immediately include the following:
- Broken bones
- Facial lacerations
- Burn injuries
- External head wounds
There are some injuries that you may not notice for days or longer after the collision. If you go to the hospital immediately after the accident, there’s a good chance the doctors will find these injuries through diagnostic testing.
Some of these more latent injuries may include:
- Whiplash
- Other neck injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Back injuries
- Internal injuries
- Concussion
- Traumatic brain injury
- Muscle strains and sprains
It’s Important That You Go to the Hospital Immediately After the Crash
When you go to the emergency room, they’ll run various tests based on your symptoms. These tests may include:
- X-rays
- MRI
- CT scan
- Neurological examination
- Physical examination
Obviously, it’s critical that you see a doctor so they can diagnose and treat your injuries. However, your attorney is going to need some proof that you were hurt. The best proof is a copy of your medical records.
If you don’t go to the hospital, the defendant may be able to argue that something other than the crash caused your injuries. Or they will claim that you failed to mitigate damages. Either way, this could significantly impact your chances of collecting damages.
Some Latent Injuries Can Cause Long-Term Medical Issues or Even Death
Aside from providing your Atlanta accident attorney with proof of injury, you also need to think of your health. Certain latent injuries can prove problematic if not treated right away.
An example of this is a traumatic brain injury. If this isn’t treated immediately, you risk permanent disability. In some cases, internal injuries like this can even prove fatal. You owe it to yourself to go to the doctor or ER the moment you start to experience symptoms of any serious bodily injuries.
Meet with an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer Sooner Rather than Later
When you’re involved in a car accident, it’s important that you see a doctor right away. First, you need to make sure you’re okay. Second, your Atlanta accident attorney will need documentation proving that you were hurt.
If you realize your car accident injuries are worse than you thought, your lawyer can help make sure you get the medical care you need.
You can contact our office at 770-HELP-NOW today and schedule your free, initial consultation. Talk with an experienced attorney who can help get you compensation for your physical, emotional, and mental injuries.
