It’s pretty obvious that when you are moderately to severely injured in a car accident, you will seek out medical attention — perhaps you’ll even earn yourself a ride in an ambulance. But what should you do after a minor accident?
It is possible to have injuries after a car accident that are both visible and invisible.
If you can’t tell whether or not you are injured, you may be asking yourself “should I go to the doctor after a car accident?”
Should I Go to the Doctor After a Car Accident?
Yes. Even if you don’t believe that you’ve sustained any injuries from the car accident, you are not a trained medical professional, and it is still important to get examined. Sometimes after accidents, injuries may not be immediately apparent and even life-threatening.
Injured? Speak with An AttorneyAfter a car accident, you may feel shaken up, scared, and thankful for no severe injuries. But this doesn’t mean that you didn’t suffer from a physical injury.
In fact, some minor injuries take a few days to show up. Pay attention to your body and document any aches and pains you experience. Make an appointment with your physician no more than 72 hours after the accident. If you wait any longer, you risk having an insurance claim denied, since it will be more difficult to prove that your injuries were a result of the accident.
Some common minor injuries to be aware of include:
Whiplash
Whiplash occurs whenever your head is suddenly jerked forward and backward, and it’s a typical injury that results from being rear-ended. The pain from whiplash comes from the tendons and muscles of your neck being stretched and torn. If you suffer from whiplash, you will feel pain, experience a decreased range of motion, and you may also have headaches. Symptoms can be immediate, or take hours or days to appear. A doctor will diagnose whiplash through an examination, history and potentially X-rays or a CT scan. The healing process can take a few days to a few weeks.
Chest Injuries
A chest injury can happen if your airbag deploys or you hit the steering wheel. You may experience pain when coughing or breathing deeply. While most minor chest injuries can be treated at home, it’s a good idea to see a doctor to rule out a chest injury can happen if your airbag deploys or you hit the steering wheel. You may experience pain when coughing or breathing deeply. While most minor chest injuries can be treated at home, it’s a good idea to see a doctor to rule out a rib fracture or a more serious ailment.
Back Pain
Pain in the lower back is a common symptom of whiplash. When back pain is felt in the mid to upper back, it could be for a variety of reasons. For example, a vertebrae fracture can happen when excessive force is applied to the back. Herniated discs can happen during a car accident as well, likely located in the lower back or the neck. Don’t brush off back pain after a car accident; it’s always best to receive a thorough examination by a doctor to confirm a strain or a more serious injury.
Have You Been Injured in a Car Accident in California?
If you suffer from an injury caused by a car accident, reach out to the experienced California car accident lawyers at The May Firm. Be sure to see your doctor within 72 hours after the accident, and give our office a call as well. We offer an initial free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case.
