Some car accident injuries become immediately apparent, such as visible cuts and bruises. However, others remain hidden and may not manifest until some time after collisions. In some cases, adrenaline can temporarily mask the pain caused by victims’ injuries. Furthermore, certain types of internal damage may not become symptomatic until days after their collisions.
Accordingly, you should seek medical attention even if you feel fine after your accident in Arkansas. Your doctor will be able to thoroughly and accurately assess the extent of harm caused by your crash. Additionally, you may need official documentation of your injuries in order to recover payment from another driver.
If you suffered a collision, get help from our experienced Arkansas car accident lawyers by calling (479) 316-0438 to review your potential case for free.
Importance of Immediate Medical Attention After Your Accident in Arkansas
As previously mentioned, you should seek medical attention right away after a car accident in Arkansas, even if you feel fine. There are several reasons why seeking immediate medical care is important.
Hidden Injuries Can Surface Later
First and foremost, car accidents can cause hidden injuries, like internal bleeding, organ damage, or soft tissue injuries, which may not present immediate symptoms. These injuries can be masked by the adrenaline rush that often follows a traumatic event like a car crash. If left undiagnosed and untreated, these injuries can worsen over time and lead to more severe health problems. Seeking prompt medical attention can aid in the early detection and management of such hidden injuries, preventing them from progressing and causing long-term health issues.
Adrenaline Can Mask Pain
In the aftermath of an accident, the body’s natural response is to release adrenaline, which can temporarily mask pain and discomfort. This surge of adrenaline can create a false sense of well-being, causing individuals to believe they are uninjured. However, this is not always the case, and some injuries may take time to manifest symptoms. By consulting a medical professional immediately after a car accident, you ensure that any injuries, even those masked by adrenaline, are properly assessed and treated.
Documentation is Needed for Your Legal Claim
Furthermore, obtaining immediate medical attention can have significant implications on your potential legal claim. When you promptly seek medical evaluation and treatment, it establishes a clear link between the accident and any resulting injuries. This documentation is essential for you to recover payment from another party.
Failing to seek medical attention promptly can jeopardize your rights. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries were not directly caused by the accident because you did not seek immediate care. This can weaken your position and potentially reduce the compensation you receive. Support and guidance from our Arkansas car accident attorneys can be invaluable when building your claim and fighting for the payment you are owed.
Long-Term Complications Can Occur
Lastly, early medical evaluation and treatment can prevent long-term complications and chronic pain. In many cases, timely medical intervention can halt the progression of injuries, reducing the risk of long-term or chronic health issues. Delayed treatment, on the other hand, can allow injuries to worsen, potentially leading to more extensive medical issues and prolonged recovery periods. Seeking immediate medical care not only addresses immediate health concerns but also helps to mitigate the risk of future complications and suffering.
Examples of Car Accident Injuries with Delayed Symptoms
There are many types of car accident injuries that can result in delayed symptoms, making it crucial to seek medical attention even if you initially feel fine. The following are all examples of these injuries:
Whiplash
Whiplash is a common car accident injury that results from the rapid back-and-forth movement of the head and neck during a collision. Its delayed symptoms typically include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and reduced range of motion. These symptoms may not manifest until hours or days after the accident because the soft tissues and ligaments in the neck can sustain damage that takes time to become inflamed and painful.
Concussions
Concussions can occur when the head abruptly jerks forward or sideways upon impact, such as in a rear-end collision or T-bone accident. Immediate symptoms may be mild or unnoticeable, but delayed symptoms often include headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, and sensitivity to light or noise. These delayed symptoms can be attributed to the gradual onset of brain inflammation and swelling.
Internal Bleeding
Car accidents can cause trauma to internal organs, leading to internal bleeding. Initially, there might be no obvious symptoms, but delayed symptoms may include abdominal pain, swelling, and a drop in blood pressure. This delayed presentation is because blood loss inside the body may not be immediately apparent, and the severity of internal bleeding may increase over time.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries, such as strains and sprains, are common in car accidents. These injuries can result from the sudden force exerted on the body upon impact. While immediate symptoms may be mild, delayed symptoms can include increased pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility in the affected area. These delayed symptoms are a result of the gradual development of inflammation and swelling in the damaged soft tissues.
Fractures
Bone fractures, like those in the arms, legs, or ribs, can also produce delayed symptoms. After a car accident, adrenaline can mask the pain associated with these fractures. It may take time for the pain to become apparent as the adrenaline wears off and swelling or bruising occurs around the fractured area.
Herniated Discs
Car accidents can cause herniated discs in the spine, leading to delayed symptoms like radiating pain, numbness, or tingling in the arms or legs. These symptoms may not surface immediately because a herniated disc may press against nerves gradually, causing discomfort to worsen over time.
Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers for Assistance with Your Case in Arkansas
If you suffered a crash caused by another person’s negligence, get support from our experienced Bella Vista, AR car accident lawyers by calling (479) 316-0438 for a free case assessment.