When Should You See a Doctor After a Car Accident?

Even if you don’t notice any initial injuries, it is important for your health and your injury claim to see a doctor after a car accident. Failing to seek medical attention after a wreck could jeopardize your physical well-being and your opportunity to recover the maximum compensation you deserve for your physical, financial, and emotional losses. 

Many car accident victims wait too long to seek treatment. Either they don’t want to deal with the hassle (or the cost), or they aren’t convinced that it is worth the time and effort involved. But, in many cases, this proves to be a costly mistake. Not only can delaying treatment make it more difficult to recover, but it can create challenges for your car accident claim as well.

The experienced car accident attorneys at Colling Gilbert Wright have extensive experience in a wide range of car accident cases. If you were hurt in a traffic wreck caused by someone else, we can help you pursue the justice you deserve under the law. 

You Should See a Doctor Promptly After a Car Accident If You Have Any Concerns

After a car accident, your health should be your first priority. The forces involved in car accidents can easily cause various forms of trauma, but this trauma won’t necessarily be visible. While some car accidents result in cuts, bruises, and burns, others result in internal injuries that you can’t see. These injuries can potentially be much more dangerous, and in some cases, they can present medical emergencies. 

When there is a chance that you could have a serious internal injury, you need to see a doctor—and you need to see a doctor right away. If there is nothing wrong, at least you will know for sure. But, if you need treatment, then getting diagnosed as soon as possible will afford the best chance at a full physical and financial recovery. 

Signs You Should See a Doctor After a Car Accident

If you have been injured in a car accident, you should pay attention to your health in the hours, days, and weeks following the collision. If you begin to experience any symptoms, you should go to the hospital or your doctor’s office for a comprehensive diagnosis. Here are some examples of signs that you should see a doctor after a car accident: 

Concussions and Other Brain Injuries

Concussions are extremely common car accident injuries. In some cases, car accident victims will experience more-serious brain injuries as well. Typical symptoms of concussions and other brain injuries include:

• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headaches 
• Lack of coordination
• Loss of balance 
• Memory loss
• Sleep disturbances 

Back and Spinal Cord Injuries

Back and spinal cord injuries are also much more common than most people realize. While many Florida residents suffer from chronic back pain, signs that you may have suffered a back injury in a car accident include:

• Bowel or bladder issues 
• Difficulty standing up straight or bending over
• Limited mobility
• Localized pain
• Muscle spasms
• Pain that worsens with movement
• Pain when coughing, sneezing, or laughing 

Bone Fractures and Dislocations

Bone fractures and dislocations are common internal injuries from car accidents as well. In many cases, it will be necessary to reset a broken bone quickly so that it does not begin to heal in the wrong position. Symptoms of bone fractures and dislocations include:

• Discomfort with certain movements
• Inability to stand or lean on an injured arm or leg
• Inability to push or hold weight with an injured digit
• Intense pain (particularly with contact at the location of the injury)
• Loss of strength or range of motion
• Numbness
• Tingling (or a “pins and needles” sensation) 

Soft Tissue and Nerve Injuries

The soft tissue (muscles, ligaments, and tendons) and nerves in our bodies allows us to move, feel, and function. Soft tissue and nerve injuries are also extremely common in car accidents, with typical symptoms including:

• Limited strength or mobility 
• Localized pain
• Loss of sensation 
• Numbness or tingling 
• Sharp or shooting pain
• Skin that is warm to the touch
• Swelling and redness

Internal Bleeding and Organ Damage

Even if you do not suffer any external injuries in a car accident, the forces involved can still cause internal bleeding and organ damage. These can be dangerous injuries, and emergency medical intervention will be necessary in many cases. Signs of internal bleeding and organ damage include:

• Breathlessness
• Chest pain or other deep internal pain 
• Clammy or sweaty skin 
• Extreme thirst 
• Nausea
• Organ dysfunction 
• Vomiting 

Contact an Orlando Car Accident Lawyer for FREE

After a serious wreck in Florida, it is important to seek medical care and the counsel of an Orlando car accident lawyer at Colling Gilbert Wright. Our experienced attorneys can help you seek compensation for your physical, financial, and emotional losses. But you need to act quickly. Delaying action could cost you.

See Our Results.

Don’t face your injuries alone. Contact our office today online or at (800) 766-1000 for a FREE case evaluation.