First comes the sound of skidding tires, then the sound of metal damage and finally the jarring impact. The aftermath of a car crash is an exercise in adrenaline and shock. After this happens it’s easy to dismiss or not really even know you have minor aches and pains that should reasonably be attributed to the crash. The full extent of injuries from a car crash isn’t always felt right away. What should you do after the adrenaline and shock of the events wear off? A delay in pain is common after a crash, and in some cases, it may end up as life altering as those injuries that appear immediately.
Feeling scared and uncertain when the pain starts is more common than many realize and it is one of the reasons insurance companies want to settle as soon as possible after a crash. When pain doesn’t begin immediately after a crash people may wonder if they’re imagining it and some think it’s just a normal part of the healing process. Whatever the case may be, don’t ignore it. When delayed injuries and pain are left unaddressed, you may end up with long-term health problems. Pay Attention To Your Pain!
Surviving a car accident is an amazing feat all on its own. You aren’t expected to just learn to deal with the painful aspect of a crash, no matter how long afterward the onset of symptoms. The first thing in caring for yourself and your injuries is being vigilant and aware of how you’re feeling. Validating your experience about the events matters. Don’t work to minimize your pain or discomfort, don’t question its legitimacy and don’t get caught in the trap of thinking a few over the counter pain killers is your long-term answer. When you feel paid after a crash make a note of it. This is where keeping an injury journal is a great idea. Creating a detailed record of your injuries for both your medical and legal teams if you choose to pursue compensation later on.
Things to enter in your journal might include:
• A pain assessment, including where it’s located and whether it’s radiating
• Notes on intensity
• Onset and duration
• Associated symptoms
• Activities and triggers
• Medications and treatments
Relying on memory doesn’t serve you well, especially when dealing with a chronic, complex, or evolving health issue. Your injury journal will offer a concrete timeline of your pain and other symptoms as you recover. Sure, you might feel okay right after the crash and even when you get checked out at your doctor’s office and walk out with a “clean bill of health” there may still be underlying injuries that aren’t caught or felt initially. If you’re feeling pain days or weeks after your accident, don’t ignore these signs. Assuming it’s nothing or waiting for it to become unbearable before you seek help is not a long-term solution. A visit to an urgent care center, or the ER may be in your best interest. Early diagnosis and intervention are the keys to minimize long-term health problems.
If you decide to file a personal injury claim later, prompt medical attention will only strengthen your case. If the crash is the result of someone else’s negligence you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other losses. There are more than just medical resources available to you after an accident. Don’t let the complexity of your condition dissuade you from doing what’s best for you. The healing process isn’t a straight line. It takes time and there will be good days and not so good days along the way.
We represent people who are injured because of the careless and reckless acts of others. At the end of the day your case can only be settled one time and you need to know all of the facts beforehand. The reason that insurance companies have paid our clients in excess of $130,000,000.00 is that we get the facts and are not intimidated at the prospect of going to trial when insurance companies fail to offer full compensation. We help with serious injuries that require serious representation. We are the Law Offices of Guenard & Bozarth, LLP. Our attorneys have more than 60 years of experience specializing in only representing injured people. Call GB Legal 24/7/365 at 888-809-1075 or visit www.gblegal.com
