There is often a whirlwind of activity after an accident, from doctor’s appointments to interviews with police officers and insurance agents. Knowing what to expect in the days and weeks following an accident helps brace yourself for what is to come.
Physical Sensations After a Car Crash
The human body is not meant to be jerked back and forth violently, so even a minor accident can cause physical damage. Wearing a seatbelt or having an airbag can lessen the impact, but physical pain is almost inevitable when in a car accident.
While most crashes are minor and don’t cause injuries, there are some cases when you need to obtain treatment. Here is what you may physically experience in the days following your car accident.
No Pain
In the immediate aftermath of an accident, you may not experience any pain at all. Typically your body is flooded with adrenaline when you get into an accident, which will numb the pain for a while.
It is essential to know this because many people think they’re just fine and refuse medical treatment after an accident. This is a mistake because when the adrenaline wears off, you will start feeling the pain. If you are involved in an accident, let the medical first responders check you out, even if you feel fine.
Pain
Once the adrenaline wears off, you may be flooded with pain. Many people experience headaches, backaches, muscle pain, lower back pain, and neck pain. It is crucial not to ignore these sensations.
Some injuries – like soft tissue injuries, whiplash, and concussions – may take a few days or weeks to appear. Therefore, it is a good idea to see a doctor immediately and continue keeping up with your appointments.
Concussions are the most common injury in car accidents. They can range in severity from mild to severe. A concussion is a minor traumatic brain injury commonly found on crash victims. If you lost consciousness in the crash, suffered headaches, dizziness, nausea, or blurred vision, you may have suffered a concussion.
If you have these symptoms, don’t delay medical treatment – you could have brain bleeding or swelling, so you need to see your doctor immediately.
Starting from a simple question like “Where Does It Hurt?” a skilled car accident lawyer can extrapolate the legal repercussions of your injuries. With legal help, you can file for compensation and cover the medical expenses you incurred after the crash.
Stiffness
Many car accident injuries involve damage to the muscles. Therefore, you may experience stiffness and soreness after the collision. It may be difficult to walk or carry out daily activities.
If you had any existing aches and pains before the accident, the trauma may have made them worse. This is to be expected, and your medical professional will probably prescribe you pain medication or assistive devices to ease the discomfort.
Find the Right Medical Provider
Some medical providers specialize in working with patients with traumatic injuries. Even though you might initially be seen by your primary care physician, it pays to set up an appointment with a specialist who can accurately diagnose and treat your accident-related injuries. These providers can screen you for common accident injuries like:
- Herniated discs
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractures
- Brain injuries
- Soft tissue strain
- Compression fractures
A spinal and orthopedic specialist can treat your injuries and create a comprehensive pain management program that helps to treat your symptoms and restore your health. They are experts in spotting soft tissue injuries that may not be immediately evident.
The Road to Recovery
The road to recovery is not always easy. However, with the proper medical care, you can slowly heal. Furthermore, legal experts can offer guidance in seeking justice against the at-fault party. The compensation you secure can help pay your past, present, and future medical bills. Finally, do not hesitate to turn to family and friends for emotional support.
With a law degree under his belt, Mark Scott understood very early that law communication was a relatively neglected area. He decided to help people by “translating” the language and offering information and advice in a clear, useful, and actionable manner. For this reason, instead of finding him in court, you will most likely find his name online, where he is very active and thriving as a legal columnist. His part of making the world a better place is to make the law a less convoluted maze. He aims to make it easier for people to understand when and how to seek legal counsel, how to proceed in a significant number of legal matters, and to find the proper resources so they can stand up for their rights.
