Car Accident Injuries: Why They Don’t Show Up Right Away & How to Protect Yourself
April 29, 2016
You just got home from being involved in a serious car accident and surprisingly, you feel totally fine. Your neck doesn’t hurt, your joints are okay, and there’s no signs of a concussion. Until, that is, a few days later. Suddenly everything feels tight and your headache is only getting stronger. Why didn’t they show up at first and how do you protect yourself from losing necessary compensation?
Chemicals May Be Blocking Your Pain
Surprisingly, it’s completely normal for injuries to take a few days before showing up after a car accident. The main reasons are adrenaline and endorphins. These chemicals can actually block the body from receiving any pain signals and keep you functioning just fine until the energy of the accident dies down.
The chemicals clearly don’t last forever and when they wear off, the pain can set in. Many times, victims notice discomfort in their muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The force of an accident twists your body in unconventional ways and can be very traumatic. You may experience swelling and reduced mobility in the days following your accident.
Even more serious are concussions. These are not relegated only to athletes, as car accidents are actually one of the biggest causes for concussions. Listen to your body; be aware of any headaches, blurry vision, nausea, or dizziness. A concussion doesn’t always manifest itself right away, but will likely require medical attention when it does.
What should I do if I begin noticing injuries?
Most importantly, you should always see a doctor right away. Even if you think your accident was only minor, it never hurts to get checked. Your physician may even be able to alert you to potential injuries and symptoms that may develop. Seeing a doctor is also critical for your claim later down the line. Without documentation, you may not be able to collect compensation for your injuries and medical care that you received.
In regards to your accident claim, never sign any papers or verbally agree to something without your attorney present. Acting too quickly-signing a claim before any injuries show up-means that you can’t go back later and ask for more coverage. It is always best to take your time and act in accordance with your attorney’s legal counsel.
Whether your car accident occurred yesterday or several weeks ago, the time to take action is right now. Our firm is standing by and is available to offer the representation you need.
