Your casual drive to a friend or family member\’s house can suddenly take a turn for the worst when you\’re involved in a car accident. Suddenly, you\’re faced with serious injuries, expensive medical bills, damaged property, and all kinds of other challenges. Not to scare you, but did you know that road crashes are the number one cause of death in the United States (for age between 1-54)? Each year, more than 4.4 million people are involved in car accidents, with 38,000 people losing their precious lives. So, if you want to stay safe, understanding when to go to see a doctor after a car accident is important. To assist in that decision, let\’s explore the topic:
What Are the Symptoms of an Injury?
The symptoms of injury following an auto accident may or may not be readily apparent initially. In fact, it may take days or even weeks before symptoms appear. So, it\’s never a good idea to assume you\’re fine and don\’t need medical attention. Even if you feel fine right after the crash, it\’s important to get checked out by a doctor. Injuries such as whiplash may be difficult to detect at first because they don\’t show up until the next day or later. If you have any pain at all, speak with your doctor about potential injuries that could occur from being hit by another vehicle. By better educating yourself about your body and what to look for after an accident, you will be able to determine if you need any specialized medical care and how serious it might potentially be.
When Should You See a Doctor for a Car Accident?
1) Hidden Injuries After a Car Crash
Just because you haven\’t suffered any visible injuries after a car accident doesn\’t mean that you are totally okay. Internal injuries such as internal bleeding can be present without apparent symptoms. Similarly, concussions often have no obvious symptoms and can be very dangerous if not properly diagnosed and treated quickly. Even if you feel fine, it\’s important to get checked out by an auto injury doctor ASAP. If your spinal cord has been damaged or internal organs are bleeding, then serious problems can result.
2) Hidden Soft Tissue Injuries
The most serious injuries from car accidents that require doctors are those that are hidden. These are soft tissue injuries, and they can be hard to see with the naked eye. These injuries can involve muscles, ligaments, and tendons, and they can get worse over time if you don\’t address them.
That\’s why it\’s a good idea to stay on the safe side and see a car accident doctor after any auto accident that leaves you feeling even the slightest bit of pain or discomfort. Even if there is nothing wrong with you right now, seeing a doctor can help you find problems before they get worse.
Click the link to read more about: What is an auto accident doctor?
3) TBI After an Accident
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are some of the most common injuries sustained in car accidents. They can also be some of the most severe and dangerous.
Even a mild concussion can lead to serious problems, such as chronic pain, cognitive impairment, and memory issues. In more severe cases, a TBI may result in permanent brain damage or death.
The problem with TBIs is that you may not even realize you have one until hours or days after your accident. That\’s why it\’s important to see a doctor after any car crash so they can diagnose and treat your injuries immediately.
Final Thoughts
If you are involved in a car crash that causes you to feel pain, then it\’s a good idea to see your doctor immediately. Not only can they help you identify any serious injuries that you did not know about, but they can also make sure that you get the treatment you need to take care of those injuries. Remember, the longer you wait to get treatment, the more likely it is that you will end up with serious and permanent injuries.
