After an accident, one of your first priorities should be to schedule a doctor’s visit, even if you think your injuries are minor. Symptoms do not always immediately surface, which is why it is imperative for a doctor to examine you and properly assess the extent of your injuries. This is important not only for your health but also for your personal injury case. Your doctor will likely provide some instructions for you to follow and failing to heed this advice may also damage your case.
What Kind of Injuries Can Occur After a Minor Car Accident?
Whether you’re not feeling the injury due to a rush of adrenaline from the accident, or it’s a slowly progressing injury, there are several things to watch for, even after a seemingly minor car accident. Some common injuries from car accidents include:
- Whiplash
- Concussion
- Soft tissue injuries, such as a sprain, strain, or bruise
- Internal bleeding
Individuals who experience a minor car accident may also experience neck pain, headache, or back pain. Even somewhat minor injuries from car accidents could end up causing more health issues down the road, so tending to them right away is ideal.
Insurance Companies Want to Downplay Your Injuries
The insurance company is not on your side. Their goal is to limit your payment as much as possible. One of the tactics they employ to accomplish this is by minimizing the value of your claim. If you do not follow your doctor’s advice, the insurance company may claim that your injuries are not that bad and insinuate that you exaggerated your symptoms when discussing your injuries with your doctor. They may also argue that your injuries are not healing or worsening because you failed to follow your doctor’s instructions.
What if I Don’t Have Any Visible Injuries After a Minor Car Accident?
Because the types of injuries that may occur after a minor car accident tend to be internal or show no physical signs, it’s important to have an examination and ensure everything is recorded. After an accident, your first actions should be to file a police report, notify your insurance company, and seek medical attention. If a licensed physician has confirmed an injury that was caused by the accident, such as a concussion or whiplash, the injury should be recorded and presented as legitimate evidence in the claim because you deserve compensation, even if the injury doesn’t have any visible signs.
Is It Necessary to Call an Ambulance After a Minor Car Accident?
In some cases, an ambulance may come to the scene of the accident just to ensure everyone is safe. In situations where an individual is unconscious, has a suspected head or neck injury, or has a severe cut or laceration, an ambulance ride is almost a guarantee. If you have been in a minor car accident and aren’t really sure if you should go to the hospital in an ambulance, consider any present symptoms. Any of the following symptoms would warrant an ambulance ride:
- Dizziness
- Blurry vision
- Sensory loss, including hearing or vision
- Bleeding
- Pounding headache
- Suspected broken bones
If you simply feel unsafe or uncomfortable driving after being in an accident and suspect you could be injured, it’s always better to be safe and head to the doctor right away. Should you have an unknown concussion, for instance, there’s the possibility of losing consciousness while driving yourself and putting yourself or others at risk.
How to Help Your Case
In many ways, taking care of your health will also help your case. Here are some important things to keep in mind as you begin healing:
- Maintain communication with your healthcare providers and keep them up to date on your symptoms.
- Attend all of your appointments. If you absolutely have to cancel, be sure to document why and reschedule as soon as you are able to.
- If your doctor refers you to any specialists, be sure to follow up with them.
- Take the medications your doctor prescribes as instructed.
- Keep a journal, detailing your recovery and the impact your injuries have on your daily life.
St. Louis Personal Injury Attorney
The St. Louis vehicle collision legal experts at The Simon Law Firm, P.C. have a proven track record with over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements obtained on behalf of our clients. If you have been hurt due to someone else’s negligence, you need an experienced injury attorney in St. Louis who will investigate all angles and is dedicated to maximizing the value of every case we handle.
Contact us today at (314) 241-2929 for a free consultation.
