Car accidents can cause severe, debilitating injuries, resulting in thousands of dollars in medical bills and lengthy recovery times for victims.
This can occur even when you are a safe driver but are victimized by the negligence of others.
Unfortunately, the symptoms of common auto accident injuries can linger for months and, in some cases, cause chronic pain that lasts for years.
As an attorney, I am personally involved in fighting for those who are injured by others’ negligence every day.
Should I See a Doctor After a Car Accident?
The unequivocal answer is YES, you should absolutely see a doctor after being involved in a car accident.
Even if you think your injuries are minor or you don’t feel immediate pain.
Not only are you protecting your long-term health, you’re also protecting any potential legal claims you may have.
You might feel “fine” in the immediate aftermath of an auto accident, only to experience significant pain and discomfort hours or even days later.
Some common injuries that may have delayed symptoms include:
- Whiplash
- Concussions and Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries (mTBI)
- Internal Injuries
- Soft Tissue Injuries
The sooner you see a doctor, the sooner you’ll be able to access treatment options for any sustained injuries.
Your medical records are evidence if you intend to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action for your injuries. Because you don’t know the extent of your injuries after an accident, it’s difficult to know whether or not you deserve compensation. Medical records establish a clear link between your injuries and the car accident.
The opposing party or insurance company can use a delay in seeking treatment to argue that your injuries were not severe or were caused by something else.
Establishing a clear timeline of the accident, followed by immediate medical care, strengthens your legal position.
5 Most Common Injuries After a Car Accident
Car accident injuries aren’t always immediate; some won’t hit you until hours or even days later. Here are the five most common car accident injuries in Chicago.
Neck Injuries
Neck pain is probably the most common complaint of car accident victims. This ‘whiplash’ effect occurs when the neck experiences a quick jerk forward and then back. This unnatural jerking motion can result in severe neck pain, headaches, and dizziness.
The victim may require medical treatment for a strain or sprain of the neck’s muscles, tendons, or ligaments. Pinched nerves and herniated discs are not uncommon, and the pain can last for years.
Head and Brain Injuries
Head injuries are also quite common in car accidents. Drivers and passengers can hit their heads on the steering wheel, windows, and dashboard, causing cuts, bruises, concussions, and brain injuries.
It’s important to remember that not all head injuries show external indicators; therefore, passengers should always seek medical attention.
Warning signs of head and brain injuries include:
- Nausea
- Memory Loss
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Blurry Vision
Any head injury can be severe and life-changing if not treated immediately.
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
Back pain is another prevalent complaint from victims of car accidents.
The force of a car accident can cause one or more of your spinal discs to rupture and irritate nearby nerves.
Back pain, numbness, or tingling in your back or lower body following a car accident can lead to surgery and even paralysis.
If you experience back pain after a car accident, seek medical attention immediately.
The quicker you receive a diagnosis, the better your chances of a full recovery are.
Bone Fractures
Bone fractures are common in high-impact traffic accidents. The most common fractures occur in the:
- Wrist
- Arm
- Elbow
- Knee
- Ribs
- Wrist
Recovery, therapy, and limited functionality of the broken limb can be prolonged based on the severity of the injury and the age of the victim.
Internal Bleeding and Injuries
Car collisions can result in many internal injuries, such as bleeding and damage to vital organs. The most vulnerable organs are:
- Lungs
- Kidneys
- Spleen
- Liver
- Heart
Lungs are especially vulnerable as a result of broken ribs. If your ribs break upon impact, there is a chance they may puncture a lung. Internal bleeding can be life-threatening.
Why Should I File a Police Report After an Accident?
No matter the damage or how severe the injuries, you must file a police report.
This official documentation significantly impacts your ability to navigate the incident’s aftermath and protect your rights.
A police report includes details such as the crash’s date, time, location, identification of all involved parties and vehicles, witness statements, and the responding officer’s observations of the scene.
This comprehensive account can be invaluable when interacting with insurance companies or lawyers, as it offers a factual basis for your claim and helps verify that the accident happened as you described.
What to Do Immediately After an Auto Accident
Call Police
Always call the police, even if the accident appears minor. After their investigation, the officer will issue a police report, which is very important to your case.
Get Medical Treatment
You and your passengers may be in shock, confused, or scared.
When you call the police, their dispatcher can send an ambulance for emergency treatment.
Take photos of any cuts, bruises, or physical injuries that may not be part of the medical report and X-rays.
Get Information and Photos
Never leave the scene of an accident without photographs and the names and contact information of witnesses.
Today, most cell phones have cameras that can photograph vehicle positions, body damage, skid marks, and road conditions.
Note: Use our Auto Accident Checklist.
Hire an Attorney
Contact a Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer.
Do not wait. We help you avoid mistakes that may weaken your case.
We also help you keep track of your medical treatment, ensure no legal deadlines are missed, advise you on realistic compensation, and keep the case moving forward.
We Help Victims Get the Compensation They Deserve
The attorneys at Friend, Levinson & Turner Law are experts who represent those injured in car accidents.
The attorneys at Friend, Levinson & Turner Law make the legal process as stress-free as possible.
We focus on recovering compensation for you while you concentrate on your physical and emotional recovery.
If you or a loved one is injured in an automobile accident, please call my office at 312-634-6156 or use the form below to contact us.
