After you’re involved in a collision, there are probably a million things running through your head. You could be concerned about the cost of repairs for your vehicle or worried about the state of the other driver or his or her passengers. Maybe you’re worried that you need to explain the crash to your insurance company, or you are thinking about being late for work. While each of these things is important, one thing that you have to remember is that your body has just experienced a traumatic event. Even if you don’t feel any pain now, that doesn’t mean you’re not injured.
Adrenaline and chemicals chill you out
It’s wise to get medical treatment following a crash because your body is full of adrenaline, which can make it hard to know if you’re experiencing any pain. Sometimes, when people are in shock, they act as if they are fine or just going about their business, even when something is seriously wrong. Even low-speed collisions can lead to contusions and minor injuries that might not develop until the body has had time to relax. As such, seeking a medical opinion immediately is the best bet for a quick recovery.
Whiplash develops later
One particularly common car crash injury is known as whiplash. This is when the head snaps forward and back quickly, overextending the ligaments. What might seem like a minor headache at first could rapidly turn into stiffness and migraine-like symptoms. Numbness is not uncommon, and your range of motion can be disrupted. Many people don’t recognize whiplash right away, because the chemicals of the body mask the symptoms for many hours after the collision.
The problem with not seeking care right away is that it can be harder to prove that your injury was a result of the other driver’s negligence. The insurance company could assume it happened sometime afterward, particularly if you say you’re fine at the scene. To avoid this, always go to the hospital for a full medical workup before looking into legal guidance.
