Many people with car crash injuries instantly know that they need help. They can’t put weight on a broken bone or may not be able to move at all due to a spinal cord injury. They may even require emergency transportation to a hospital to stabilize their injuries.
Others may exit their vehicles feeling relatively good, considering what just transpired. In fact, they may notice that they feel a little bit more energetic and alert than they did before the crash occurred. They may assume that the way they feel means they don’t need to see a doctor. However, choosing not to undergo a medical evaluation after a crash can be a devastating mistake.
Delayed diagnosis creates many issues
The reason that people feel normal or even better than usual after a car crash is the adrenaline produced as part of the body’s stress response. The chemical reaction to a serious incident can provide a surge of energy and hide painful symptoms. People may feel normal for hours after a crash, only to wake up the next morning in debilitating pain because the adrenaline wore off while they were asleep.
Some of the worst injuries associated with car crashes do not produce immediate symptoms. Someone with internal bleeding caused by their seat belts or impact with the steering wheel may feel a little tenderness in their abdomen but may not realize the extent of their injuries for days.
People with brain injuries or stable fractures might not have any immediate symptoms, but their conditions may worsen without treatment. The possibility of a condition progressing is one reason to see a doctor as soon as possible after a crash.
The other issue with a delayed diagnosis is the possibility of controversy regarding injury compensation claims. Insurance companies and lawyers representing the party at fault for the crash may highlight the gap between the collision and the first medical appointment attended by the injured person.
The longer the gap, the easier it may be to convince jurors that the crash didn’t cause the injuries or that the delay in treatment is one of the reasons for symptom severity. Doctors can ask diagnostic questions and order imaging tests that can validate the presence of internal injuries. Prompt treatment can improve a patient’s prognosis and make it easier for them to request financial compensation for their losses later.
Consulting with an attorney when a car crash has caused serious injuries can also be beneficial. Those injured in collisions may be able to file insurance claims or personal injury lawsuits to recoup their collision-related expenses.