Seeking Medical Attention After a Car Accident

A car accident can be a stressful time, especially if you have been injured. When severe injuries are evident, an ambulance is called and you are taken to a hospital. But what about when unseen or unfelt injuries later require medical treatment?

Many people involved in an accident refuse medical attention at the scene because they do not feel pain at first. Adrenaline, the same hormone that enables moms to lift cars off their babies, courses through your veins when something shocking such as an accident occurs. It is the body’s way to mask pain so that you may continue to function.

Delayed Pain

If you are involved in a car accident in New York, chances are that the vehicles involved were moving at more than 8 miles per hour. An impact that occurs at a speed as low as 8 miles per hour can cause severe whiplash even if there is no vehicular damage. Imagine what happens to your body when you’re in a collision with another vehicle at higher speeds! Conditions, such as delayed onset of headaches or delayed onset of muscle soreness, often take up to 7 days to become apparent.

What should I do?

The best thing that you can do is to be proactive and seek medical attention immediately following the car accident. Even if it is a simple check-up, it will serve to document the event and show your concern. Get yourself checked out!

While it is always important to pay attention to your body, it is especially so after a traumatic event like an accident – even a small one! We also recommend keeping a record of any pains or restrictions in movement for days following your accident.

Also, to aid your recovery you will want to stay away from any strenuous activities such as working out, lifting heavy objects or otherwise putting any undue stress on your body.

Retaining an experienced New York personal injury attorney for your case during this time is important as they will guide you through all the necessary steps to protect all of your rights. It is important to stay consistent with your doctor’s appointments. Besides helping prevent your injuries from worsening, it will also help prevent an insurance adjuster from later devaluing your claim. Any gap between medical appointments may suggest to a third party that you were not indeed injured at the time of your accident and will be used as an excuse by them to not offer fair compensation for your pain and suffering.

What are some other things I can do following an accident?

At the time of the accident make sure to call the police and have them fill out a police report, even if people around you suggest that you should not. This is often a critical piece of documentation. Also, make sure to document everything that you can. Take down the names and contact information of any names and contact information of any eyewitnesses, even if they also talk with the police directly. Take plenty of photos of the scene of the accident and of any injuries you may have sustained, such as bruising. When taking the pictures, make sure to document everything from many different angles, including your surroundings such as street signs and stop lights. Make sure to save receipts from anything related to your accident such as doctor bills, pharmaceutical receipts and repair bills. Keep track of your out-of-pocket expenses such as copays, prescriptions, transportation expenses, the cost of household help and loss of earnings.

As a driver in a crowded place like New York, it is important to work with attorneys that understand all of the nuances of personal injury law.

If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident and needs legal counsel, do not hesitate to contact us at (212) 366-4600