The Importance of Seeking
Medical Attention After Accidents
Car accidents happen fast. One minute you are driving along, obeying all the rules of the road, and then from out of nowhere, you find yourself careening around the road out of control. No matter what the cause—another driver’s error or adverse weather conditions—car accidents can result in trauma, and it is common to feel disoriented and at a loss of what to do next.
A crucial thing you can do for yourself and any passengers in the car is make sure everyone is safe. The best way to do this is to seek medical attention as soon as possible. At our firm, we have been helping victims of accidents like these for 34 years and can get you the care and financial assistance you need to get through this difficult time. If you are in the Alexandria, Virginia area or Fairfax, Woodbridge, Arlington, and Manassas, reach out to Blaszkow Legal, PLLC, today for a consultation.
Common Injuries After an Accident
Although each accident is unique depending on the nature of the crash, there are some common injuries that many victims sustain in auto collisions. Details such as who was wearing a seatbelt, what side of the car was hit, what speed the cars were going, and whether the car had airbags all contribute to different types of injuries.
The most common injury seen in almost all accidents is soft tissue damage. These would be bruises, muscle sprains, strains, or any damage done to the ligaments or tendons. In a car accident especially, you are at risk of whiplash injuries which result in soft tissue damage of the neck and upper back. These injuries occur when your body is jerked suddenly in one direction and as a result, your muscles are overstretched.
It is also common to see cuts and scrapes, either from slamming into objects upon impact or when items in the car become projectiles and hit the passengers. Head injuries are quite frequent as the accident causes your head to move quickly and potentially hit a door or window. A head injury can mean strains in the neck but can also result in a brain injury like a concussion or brain damage. Lastly, injuries to the chest, arms, and legs are seen in car accidents. The impact with dashboards or seat belts can cause broken ribs, and because your arms and legs are unrestrained when riding in a car, they can be thrown against doors and windows upon impact.
Reasons to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your Own Heath
In several cases, victims are unaware that they are hurt. Even if you think you are not injured or that injuries are minor, you should always seek medical attention. It is common in car accidents for injuries to take hours, days, or even weeks to show up. After any traumatic event, your body releases hormones to help you remain calm, but they also work to dull pain, leading you to believe you are less hurt than you are. Only a trained medical provider can thoroughly assess your health.
Documentation
Any time you file an insurance claim, you need to provide documentation of everything—damages to your car, a record of employment (if you are seeking lost wages), and official documentation of a medical diagnosis. Try to obtain both a paper and digital copy of all medical records and billing details for insurance claims or potential personal injury claims.
Helps with Adjusters
The sooner you get an official medical diagnosis the better. The longer you wait, the more you risk having an insurance company use it against you. This is especially true if you are filing a claim against an at-fault driver. Some insurance companies will claim that because you waited too long to receive medical care, you were not injured —or that you are trying to fake an injury altogether.
Following Through with
the Treatment Plan
After a medical diagnosis from a medical professional, you must follow through with the treatment plan they prescribe to you. Your injuries will not go away on their own. Many injuries related to car accidents will require follow-up visits and physical therapy to ensure recovery. And, if your insurance claim is successful against the at-fault driver, the follow-up visits should also be covered in your settlement. Following through with the treatment plan also ensures you know the full scope of your damages if you choose to pursue a personal injury claim.
Getting the Experienced
Legal Guidance You Need
If you have been injured in a car accident, you will likely benefit from speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney. There are so many unforeseen consequences that can happen after an accident, and you need someone on your side who can walk you through the claims process and ensure your needs. If you’re in Alexandria, Fairfax, Woodbridge, Arlington, or Manassas, Virginia, contact our team at Blaszkow Legal, PLLC today to talk about your options.