The Importance Of Getting Medical Treatment After A Car Accident

After a car accident, the initial shock makes it hard to pull thoughts together and focus on what to do next. Victims of a car accident are often hurt, disoriented, and upset over what’s happened. In some cases, a person can become more wrapped up in the damage to their vehicle than their own physical injuries.

If there are witnesses and police officers on the scene, a car crash victim might find themselves talking to them before they think about their own medical care. The victim might even be thinking about a personal injury lawsuit already.

Most importantly, however, those who find themselves in the immediate aftermath of a car accident must look out for their own health and safety. This means seeking medical attention promptly, and who they see can depend on the nature of the injuries. Police officers on the scene will almost always ask if you request medical attention and a trip to the hospital (even having you sign a waiver if you refuse treatment). Obtaining medical help is important to a person’s health, but can also help build evidence if they do need to file a personal injury lawsuit later.

Where Should a Person Turn for Medical Help after a Car Accident?

“Better safe than sorry” is a wise adage to remember if you or a loved one has just been in a car accident. Immediately after an accident, the body will generally release a surge of adrenaline known to create a “fight or flight” response. This response will mask pain at first, and can also bring:

• Increased energy;
• Reductions in pain, or even no pain at all;
• Increased blood flow and dilated blood vessels (leading to increased strength and oxygen flow);
• Changes in vision and increased focus on certain things.

Along with the rush of adrenaline comes an endorphin release that can help a person feel calm and somewhat relaxed – despite the chaotic situation. Naturally, then, a person might decline treatment or insist they are fine. Many car crash injuries don’t present themselves until hours or days after an accident, though.

Symptoms of potential problems after a car accident can include:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Stiffness or pain in the neck or back
• Dizziness or foggy vision
• Difficulty with memory or completing normal tasks
• Swelling or bruising
• Reduced range of motion
• Pain or numbness in the arms, hands, or feet

If a person is fortunate enough not to be rushed away in an ambulance, and has some say in the matter, they should still seek medical treatment as soon as possible after an accident. Some injuries might not manifest for a few days after an accident, which is why a person should at least visit their primary care physician if they do not go to an emergency room or urgent care clinic.

The primary care physician might refer a patient to a medical specialist that can further treat the injury. Additional treatment might also include physical or occupational therapy when the injury might involve long-term issues.

All of these measures are designed to help a car accident victim recover physically and hopefully get back to 100% with time and treatment. A car accident victim must also remember that they have important legal rights in these situations – including the right to get back to 100% financially if the crash led to medical bills, lost wages, and other costs.

Our Seattle Car Accident Attorneys Can Provide Skilled Legal Representation Once You’ve Received Skilled Medical Care

 Car accidents are a stressful, chaotic – and painful – experience to go through. It is crucial that anybody involved in a crash get medical care and treatment as soon as possible. This is true even if they don’t feel any pain or discomfort at first. Medical care usually leads to medical bills, and that is where the experienced Seattle car accident attorneys at the Emerald Law Group can come in. Our legal team has helped many people across the Seattle metro area obtain full and fair compensation for injuries suffered in a car crash. To learn more about your legal rights and options, please visit our firm online or call for a free consultation at 206-823-0792.

Source:

health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-the-stress-response