Being involved in a car accident that was caused by another motorist’s negligence is jarring at best. Your heart is pounding, your adrenaline is pumping, and you are likely at a loss regarding how best to proceed. If you were not seriously injured in any obvious way, you may be tempted to simply put the accident behind you by accepting the insurance company’s settlement offer and moving forward with your life. This decision, however, can come back to haunt you in surprising ways.
But I Feel Fine
If you have no visible injuries and you are not in serious pain, it is easy to pooh-pooh the idea that you were seriously injured in the car accident. It is important to note, however, that the shock of the accident and the adrenaline coursing through you can mask considerable pain (that will only rear its ugly head after the stress of the situation dies down). If you have been involved in a car accident of any magnitude, you owe it to yourself and to your health to seek immediate medical attention. This means that if you are offered medical care and/or transportation at the scene, you should accept it. If you are not, however, it is important to check in with your own doctor as soon as possible.
Silent Injuries
Silent injuries are another important concern after a car crash. These are injuries that are caused by the impact of the car accident in question but that do not present with noticeable symptoms until they morph into something far more serious and far more difficult to treat. Examples of silent injuries include:
A headache that pops up after a car accident can signal that a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is brewing, which can lead to profound physical and emotional consequences.
Whiplash, which is caused by the head whipping back and forth on the neck, is often slow to present and can lead to chronic pain and a debilitating decrease in range of motion.
Back pain that blossoms slowly over time can be indicative of a soft tissue or spinal cord injury – either of which can be both exceptionally painful and physically limiting.
Internal bleeding is often life-threatening but can be very slow to present with symptoms. Abdominal pain and swelling, however, can be early warning signs.
If you have been in a car accident, it behooves you to err on the side of caution and to seek medical attention necessary to rule out a serious injury.
It Is Time to Consult with an Experienced Killeen Car Accident Attorney
If you were in a car accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence, Brett Pritchard at the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard in Killeen, Texas, is a formidable car accident attorney who understands the difficulty of your situation and who is committed to skillfully advocating for a just case resolution that supports your rights and your rightful compensation. Our dedicated legal team is here to help, so please do not wait to contact us online or call us at (254) 781-4222 today.