Not all car accidents lead to visible or noticeable injuries. In fact, some people feel completely fine after a crash, causing them to skip the trip to the hospital.
However, that is one mistake you want to avoid after an accident. Here’s why.
Adrenaline can mask pain
The adrenal glands release a hormone called adrenaline or epinephrine during stressful situations. Essentially, it triggers your “fight or flight” response, preparing the body for action.
In a car accident, an adrenaline rush can help you escape danger by increasing alertness and temporarily boosting your strength. However, it will not make you immune to injury. What it does is reduce your perception of pain, which can mask injuries immediately after an accident.
You may have latent injuries
Even if you feel completely fine, that does not always mean you are uninjured. Latent injuries can come with delayed onset symptoms that manifest hours, days or even weeks after an accident.
Examples include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Sprains or strains
- Whiplash
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord injuries
For example, you may not immediately feel the effects of mild internal bleeding. However, the symptoms can take hours or days to manifest, and the bleeding can become fatal when left untreated.
Lack of treatment can increase the risk of complications
A good rule of thumb is to always seek medical attention after an accident, even if you feel and look unhurt. This way, a doctor can assess your condition, find any injuries and provide treatment right away.
Otherwise, you may be at risk of severe complications or even death. For instance, a mild TBI can lead to second-impact syndrome when untreated, which can be potentially fatal.
Medical records are essential for personal injury claims
To strengthen your personal injury claim, you will need to show proof of your injuries and their link to the accident. It can be extremely difficult to do this without official medical documentation.
That said, seeking treatment after an accident is not only good for your health and safety—it can also produce solid evidence of:
- Your injuries and their extent
- The treatment you need
- How the accident caused your injuries
With proper documentation and help from a personal injury attorney, you can increase the chances of recovering fair compensation for your injuries. So, never skip the trip to the hospital. Your health and future might depend on it.