If you or a loved one sustain injuries in a car collision, you may not notice the full extent of the damage. After a motor vehicle accident, seek immediate medical attention to document any injuries. In the coming days and weeks, monitor your body for any additional injuries.
Knowing the full effects of the crash on your body may help you receive more adequate mental care and help you prepare for any future insurance claims or litigation.
Types of delayed injuries
The most common symptoms arising out of a motor vehicle accident include shoulder, neck and back pain. Addressing any discomfort in these areas with your physician will help him or her identify any serious injuries and prevent lasting harm.
If you suffer from headaches or migraines after your accident, you may have sustained a head injury like a concussion. Discomfort or pain in your ankles, elbows, knees, hips or shoulders might also appear. Abdominal pain is typically a serious indicator of internal bleeding or damage to organs.
All in all, failing to treat both immediate and delayed injuries may lead to worse or permanent symptoms.
Keeping treatment uninterrupted
Choosing to wait too long after your accident to seek medical attention will not save you money in the long run. This allows the other driver’s insurance company to deny or diminish the value of your case. Electing to stop your prescribed treatment early also creates a chance for insurance agents to work against you and lower your settlement offer.
Overall, delaying treatment for immediate or delayed injuries allows the insurance adjuster to show that the accident in question is not related to your injuries.