Why You Should See a Doctor After Your Car Crash

For years Kendra Jackson thought she was suffering from really bad allergies. The Nebraska woman carried a handful of tissues with her everywhere she went. She described the uncomfortable feeling of experiencing “allergies” everyday: “It was like a waterfall, continuously, and then it would run to the back of my throat.”

Her nightmare began right after Miss Jackson was involved in a car accident, during which she hit her head on the dashboard. Doctors kept insisting that her never-ending drip was caused by allergies. It wasn’t until 2018 when she finally learned her sneezes and runny nose were not just the result of seasonal allergies, but of a brain leak! Doctors confirmed that Jackson was losing about a half-pint of cerebrospinal fluid per day, which was coming from her brain and leaking out of her nose.

Cases like Miss Jackson’s remind us why it is of the utmost importance to see a doctor after even a small collision where you sustained a few bruises. Car accidents happen every single day all over America. In fact, the most common type of collision is the one where nobody seems injured, and where the cars have sustained just a small dent. But innocuous accidents can become very serious with time, if undetected internal injuries took place.

What If I’m Not Showing Any Signs of Injury?

Most people feel silly and dramatic going to the doctor with no serious visible injuries. But a little soreness after a car accident could be a sign that medical intervention is necessary. Delaying treatment is the worst thing you can do for yourself and for your possible legal case. The sooner you seek medical treatment, the sooner you can become aware of exactly what’s going on with your body, and what you can expect during the healing and treatment process. This also helps you have a much more solid injury claim.

Injuries that are not immediately apparent are known as “invisible injuries.” The most well-known invisible car accident injury is whiplash. Whiplash, which results from a sudden head jerk forward or sideways, can take weeks or months to appear. This why you should seek medical treatment immediately after even a small accident, and let your doctor know exactly what you just experienced.

Don’t Be Like John Wayne

Too many people delay medical treatment after a car accident partly due to what we like to call the “John Wayne Syndrome”—in other words, thinking you’re tough and something like a little car collision is not going to impact you in any major way. But it has nothing to do with how tough you are. By avoiding treatment to prove to yourself and others that you are strong, you are putting your health at risk. It’s better to be safe than sorry. When in doubt, go see trained medical professionals and let them determine that you’re actually physically fine.

Another important reason to see a doctor within 72 hours of your accident is that it will have an impact on your claim. An insurance company checks to see if you have been to see a physician after the accident. If the answer is no, the amount of money an insurance company will pay on your claim dwindles drastically.

With the American healthcare system leaving much to be desired, you might be wondering how it’s possible to see a doctor within 72 hours of a car accident. It’s always a good idea to try your family physician first, to see if he or she can squeeze you in as soon as possible. If that’s not an option, an urgent care facility is your best bet. The important thing is that you need a trail of written and documented evidence for the record. If you do not have health insurance, you can still be seen by a physician. Hospital emergency rooms in the United States are obligated to see you as a patient, even if you cannot pay for treatment.

If You Need Help after a NJ Car Crash, Talk to Us

If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision where you didn’t show signs of injuries at first, you may still have grounds for an injury claim. To find out more about your legal rights and options, contact the dedicated car accident lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. We’ve fought for the rights of injury victims in NJ for over 25 years, and won our clients substantial settlements. Call us at (609) 240-0040 for a free consultation.