No matter how small, being involved in an automobile accident is always scary. You might not know what to do next, and your heart is racing. One of the common questions that arise after a minor car accident is whether or not it’s necessary to go to the hospital.
While it may seem like a hassle to go to the hospital for what appears to be a minor accident, it’s crucial to prioritize your health and well-being. Not seeking prompt medical care could impact your insurance claim and legal case down the road if more serious injuries are discovered later.
A car accident lawyer in Davie can explain your options and accompany you to the hospital if needed. Let’s explore the factors to consider when deciding whether or not to go to the hospital after a minor car accident, as well as the potential risks of not seeking medical attention.
Adrenaline Can Mask Underlying Issues After a Car Accident
The adrenaline rush that occurs during and immediately after a car accident can mask symptoms of injuries that may not be apparent. Your body floods itself with hormones like epinephrine that increase heart rate, breathing, and blood flow to muscles. This “fight or flight” response shields you from feeling pain in the short term.
What Happens When Adrenaline Wears Off?
Once the adrenaline from the accident subsides, injuries can start to hurt or become noticeable. Things like muscle strains, spinal issues, or internal bleeding may not cause pain right away but worsen over the following hours or days.
It’s common for people to shrug off accidents as minor at the scene but later need medical care as the masking effects fade. Not seeking prompt evaluation risks missing internal problems.
Adrenaline doesn’t Prevent Injuries
While adrenaline blocks the sensation of pain, it does not prevent injuries from occurring or make a body heal faster. The forces still experienced during a car accident, like rapid deceleration and impact, can cause injuries regardless of whether someone feels them.
Adrenaline just delays awareness of these issues for a period. It’s a protective response – not an indication someone is invulnerable to trauma.
Seeing a Doctor Helps Create Care Plans
Having doctors fully examine you after an accident allows any injuries to be identified and monitored proactively. Medical staff can determine if scans, treatments, or activity restrictions are needed as the body’s adrenaline levels normalize.
Care plans help address problems before they worsen so recovery is faster. Ignoring accidents risks long-term health complications down the road.
Even Minor Car Accidents Can Cause Serious Injuries
Car accidents can be a very traumatic experience, and no matter how minor, they can have long-lasting effects. Even when the accident is considered minor, several possible injuries could occur. Some of the most common injuries that can follow a minor car accident include:
- Whiplash
- Concussion
- Traumatic brain injury
- Soft tissue injuries such as sprains, strains or bruises
- Internal bleeding / internal organ damage
- Fractures and broken bones
Do I Need an Ambulance?
In some cases, an ambulance will arrive on the scene just to ensure that everyone involved is ok. Generally speaking, if you are conscious with no head injuries, neck injuries, or any severe cuts or lacerations, then it may not be necessary to call an ambulance.
However, certain symptoms could indicate a more serious issue and would warrant a ride in an ambulance. If you experience dizziness, blurry vision, chest pain, or difficulty breathing after your accident, it’s best to call for an ambulance right away.
Even if your symptoms are mild and appear manageable at the time of the incident, they can worsen very quickly and require professional medical care. Additionally, if you have any underlying medical condition, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, it would also be wise to consider calling for an ambulance, even in the event of a minor car accident.
Medical Documentation Is Important Should You Decide to File a Claim Down The Road
Medical records are an essential part of any accident injury lawsuit. Without proper medical documentation detailing the injuries sustained during the accident, it can be difficult to prove to an insurance company that the driver who caused you harm is responsible for your medical bills.
Accident reports and details supplied in those initial reports will also help strengthen your claim. If you wait too long to seek medical attention or get a diagnosis, it can be difficult to get an insurance company to pay out, as they could argue that your injury was from another cause rather than from the accident itself.
That means it’s important you visit a doctor right away and receive documented treatment. The medical records and documents of evidence provided at these visits will help make sure you’re able to receive compensation not just for medical treatments but for any pain and suffering related to the accident as well.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer to Learn More
It’s important to make an informed decision and prioritize your health above all else, with guidance from an experienced car accident attorney.
A car accident lawyer can help navigate important immediate decisions like getting medical treatment and dealing with insurance companies. We can also advise you on steps to document evidence and preserve your right to compensation if injuries surface later or the accident was caused by negligence.
While it may seem like overkill, getting prompt medical attention and consulting an attorney early on is recommended, even for minor accidents. Contact Winston Law today for a free case evaluation to learn how we may be able to help you with no obligation or out-of-pocket cost.
