Most people involved in car crashes want to minimize the inconvenience involved. They hope to repair their cars quickly and move on with their lives after filing an insurance claim. However, vehicle damage isn’t the only potential consequence of a car crash.
Collisions are also a leading cause of serious injuries. In fact, some people struggle to recognize the warning signs of collision injuries until the next day or even later. Delays in diagnosis can affect the likelihood of a full recovery. They can also impact compensation claims later.
The sooner that people with injuries see a doctor and obtain a diagnosis, the better their chances are of making a full medical recovery and obtaining the financial compensation they deserve if they are not at fault for the collision. When should people see a doctor after a crash?
When they have noticeable pain symptoms
Mild pain and muscular tension after a collision are somewhat normal. However, what starts as mild pain could develop into a full-blown case of whiplash.
In some cases, pain in the shoulder might be indicative of a fracture that may worsen as a person continues to use their upper body. Seeing a doctor for an assessment when there are immediate pain symptoms following a car crash can help people recover more quickly and connect any injuries that they sustain to the collision.
When they lose consciousness
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most severe crash injuries that people might develop. TBIs are notorious for causing delayed-onset symptoms. As bleeding or inflammation increases the pressure on the brain inside the skull, people may develop new symptoms, or mild symptoms may noticeably worsen.
Anytime someone blacks out during or immediately after a car crash, they may need to see a medical professional. People generally do not lose consciousness sporadically. Fainting or passing out, even for a few seconds, could be a warning sign of an injury to the brain.
When the car isn’t safe to drive
Sometimes, people have a little bit of pain from their safety restraints but otherwise feel lucky that they escaped injury. However, their vehicle may have sustained significant damage. In higher-speed collisions, vehicle occupants are at risk of internal injuries caused by the restraints that may have saved their lives.
In cases where a crash causes significant damage to a vehicle, occupants might be at risk of internal injuries and may require medical evaluation. Seeing a doctor after a car crash can help people rule out serious injuries or get timely treatment for the injuries they sustained. Those with injuries may need help finding ways to cover their expenses.