Should I Seek Medical Attention After a Car Crash?
Moments after a car crash, it is normal to feel confused and disoriented. Your body has just been subjected to intense trauma. However, walking away seemingly unscathed in a vehicular crash is possible. Or is it?
It is a common scenario in a vehicular crash. The vehicle is damaged, but the driver and the passenger seemed to have incurred only minor bruises and cuts. Maybe they would feel some soreness or stiffness, but nothing that they could not handle at home.
The pump of adrenaline rush will allow the victims to focus on their vehicles instead, thinking that they are just fine. They call their car insurance provider, take pictures of the vehicles, and get the details of the other party. The rush of adrenaline hides symptoms of injuries, making the person feel and look alright after the car crash.
When the police arrive at the scene, they are asked if they need any medical assistance. They refuse outright, believing that they are fine. They reassure everyone that all they need is to lie down and rest. Many car crash victims do this. Since all they can see are small cuts and minor injuries, they go straight home without seeing a doctor.
Should You See a Doctor If You Get Involved in A Car Crash?
The answer to the question is a resounding yes. Not seeing a medical practitioner right after a motor vehicle accident may hinder you from using your no-fault personal protection insurance benefits (PIP).
A medical evaluation performed immediately after the accident can help identify serious injuries and allow a person to get his insurance benefits.
Some symptoms do not become obvious until days or even weeks after the accident. Then, as the level of adrenaline goes down, symptoms of injuries start to unravel. It can start with a headache. While headaches are pretty common for car accident victims, they can also signify a more serious problem. A headache can be a sign of an underlying head or neck injury.
Days following a car crash, a victim can also experience back pains, which can be a sign of whiplash. The moment he or she seeks medical attention, he may not be able to use his no-fault PIP insurance benefits. The insurer can claim that the injury is due to another circumstance and is unrelated to the car crash. The insurer can counter that the statements that were given to the police contradict the claim of the insured.
What are the Common Car Crash Injuries?
Here are the common vehicular crash injuries that one should watch out for.
The sudden stop or jerking of the vehicle can result in an excessive strain on the head and neck. In addition, the violent forward and backward movement can lead to neck problems, which can have a lifelong effect on the victim.
The victim may hit his or her head on the steering wheel, dashboard, or window. The impact can result in severe injuries and can even damage the brain. The worst part is that the extent of the damage usually shows months or years later. A traumatic brain injury can have serious physical and cognitive effects on the victim.
The common symptoms of a traumatic brain injury include seizures, migraines, fatigue, balance problems, memory loss, spatial disorientation, and increased anxiety, among many others. Often, it can adversely affect the quality of life of the victim.
- Chest Injuries
Chest injuries can come in the form of bruises, contusions, or a broken rib or two. Chest injuries are more common for drivers because of the proximity of the chest to the steering wheel. As a result, the driver has nowhere to go but to collide with the wheel.
- Leg Injury
Both the driver and the passenger have very little leg room, causing the knee to hit the dashboard or the front seat. For more powerful crashes, the leg can get pinned down. This is especially true for drivers who must keep their foot on the pedal.
What Does the Michigan No-Fault Act Say?
The Michigan No-Fault Act states that an insured person can receive compensation for injuries, wage loss, recovery, and rehabilitation. However, the injuries must result from the use of a motor vehicle.
Seeking medical attention immediately after a car crash establishes and creates a record of the physical and even psychological and emotional effects of the accident. It also allows for the identification of serious injuries early on.
Involved In a Michigan Car Crash? Contact The Clark Law Office Now.
The Clark Law Office is the leading personal injury law firm in Michigan on which you can rely. We work hard so that people, not companies, get the right compensation and support that they can get. Call us now for a free consultation.
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