After a car accident, it’s natural to feel relief if you walk away with no obvious injuries. And with the chaos that follows, you probably feel there’s no need to spend your time seeking medical treatment.
However, many injuries caused by car accidents do not appear immediately. In some cases, symptoms may not appear for days, even life-threatening ones.
The body’s response to trauma
During and immediately after a traumatic event, such as a car accident, your body releases hormones (adrenaline and endorphins) to help you cope with stress. These hormones temporarily mask pain so any injuries may seem less serious than they actually are.
Once those chemicals wear off, you may begin to notice symptoms. Common delayed-onset injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Muscle strains
- Soft tissue injuries
Because some of these conditions can become more serious the longer they are left untreated, seeking prompt medical attention is vital.
In addition to safeguarding your health, seeing a healthcare professional after your accident can also strengthen your personal injury claim.
Insurance companies often examine how quickly an accident victim sought treatment. If there is a significant delay between your car accident and your first medical visit, the insurance company may infer that:
- Your injuries were caused by something other than the accident
- Your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim
Receiving timely medical attention creates documentation that ties your accident to your injuries.
Seeing a doctor is the first step. It’s equally important that you follow the treatment recommendations you receive, such as:
- Completing physical therapy
- Taking prescribed medications
- Adhering to activity restrictions
- Attending follow-up appointments
Stopping treatment too early or skipping appointments may slow your recovery and give insurance companies another reason to question your injuries.
If your injuries resulted from another driver’s negligence, you may be able to recover compensation. Speaking with a legal representative helps ensure you understand your legal options, and they can negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf.