Following a traffic accident, injured victims should always seek professional medical attention. One of the biggest mistakes that car accident victims make is failing to see a doctor immediately after a crash.
Unfortunately, many car accidents result in injuries. For reference, the Illinois Department of Transportation reports that there were 6,503 car accidents in Winnebago County alone in 2016.
Nearly 25 percent of these crashes — 1,642 in total — resulted in at least one reported injury. While some of these injuries were relatively minor, many of them were severe.
Emergency Medical Needs Always Come First
In an emergency situation, the victim needs to be transported to the nearest hospital or medical center. Nothing should ever come before emergency medical needs. If you or your loved one suffered a severe injury in a traffic accident, an ambulance should be called to the scene of the wreck. With very serious injuries, immediate medical attention can sometimes be the difference between the victim suffering permanent injuries and the victim making a full physical recovery. Time is of the essence, and it is crucial that a severely injured victim is able to get access to the best emergency medical care.
Many Common Car Crash Injuries Come With a Delayed Onset
Not every car accident that results in injuries is an ‘emergency’. It is certainly not uncommon for auto accident victims to sustain ‘non-emergency’ injuries. In fact, many people report that they feel “alright” or “not that bad” immediately after the collision, only to develop considerable pain over the next 12 to 72 hours. This is normal. Being involved in a car accident produces a tremendous physical and psychological response in the human body. The adrenaline from a collision can mask a lot of pain.
For this and other reasons, many common auto accident injuries come with a delayed onset. Specifically, head injuries — including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) — and soft tissue damage, such as back injuries and whiplash, often take several days to fully develop. Even if you feel “okay” after a car accident, you may be far more injured than you actually think. All auto accident injuries require a comprehensive medical evaluation.
Considering a Legal Claim? Know What Steps to Take After a Car Accident
Seeking medical assistance is important to protect the health and well-being of the injured victim. Though, it is also necessary for another reason: injured victims must seek medical attention to preserve their right to file a personal injury claim in the future. Without seeing a physician, you will almost certainly be ineligible to bring any type of personal injury claim. Official medical records and doctor observations are crucial types of evidence that must be presented in a personal injury case. If you did not seek medical attention, or if you failed to attend recommended follow-up appointments with your doctor, it could hinder your ability to access the full and fair financial compensation that you deserve. The lesson here is simple: Make sure you seek medical attention after a car accident.
