Do I need to see a doctor after a car accident even if I feel ok?

No one is ever prepared for a car accident. These are shocking and unexpected events, and it is hard to know what you should do afterward. You may feel perfectly fine and, even though you know the crash was not your fault, you may not be worried about holding the other driver responsible. However, one of the best pieces of advice we can offer is to always get yourself checked out by a doctor.

Car Accident Injuries Are Not Always Immediately Obvious

If you can get out of your car and walk around after a crash, you might assume you’re ok. You might have a minor ache or pain, but you don’t want to make a big deal about it at the scene. Despite this, it is important that you make an appointment with a doctor as soon as you can after the accident to see if you have injuries that are not obvious right away. Common delayed-symptom car accident injuries include the following:

Whiplash

The symptoms of whiplash can take several days to become noticeable. That does not make the injury any less serious. Whiplash can cause debilitating headaches, back pain, and neck pain. In some cases, it can also cause traumatic brain injury. It is important to be evaluated for whiplash by a doctor within a few days of the crash.

Concussion

In a car crash, your head could hit the steering wheel or dashboard, causing a concussion. Even if you don’t hit your head, the force of the crash could be enough to cause brain damage by shaking up your brain inside your skull. You may not experience headaches, sleeplessness, dizziness, memory loss, and other symptoms for several days after the crash.

Psychological trauma

Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder after a car crash will not develop right away. You may begin experiencing flashbacks, nightmares, a fear of driving, anxiety, and depression several days, or even several weeks, following a Virginia car accident. An early exam by a therapist can diagnose the problem and help you cope.

Other injuries, such as soft tissue damage and back problems, may also manifest days or weeks after a crash.

Seeing a Doctor Is Key to Building a Strong Car Accident Claim for Compensation

In the days and weeks after your crash, the reality of what has happened will sink in. You will talk to your insurance company, and bills will start to come in. If the crash wasn’t your fault, you will begin to realize that you need to take legal action. Seeing a doctor early in the process will provide documentation of your injuries and make a causal connection between the crash and your medical costs. Talking to a personal injury attorney will also put you on the right path to getting the compensation you deserve.

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Have You Been Injured In A Virginia Car Accident?

If you've been injured in a Virginia car crash you should speak with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible. The passion of The Mottley Law Firm is to protect the legal rights of clients who have suffered life-disrupting car accident injuries, so you can focus on regaining your health.

No matter where you are in Virginia, we want to hear from you. Contact us online or call our Richmond, Virginia, office directly at (804) 409-0876 to schedule your free consultation.

We welcome clients throughout Virginia, including the communities of Bon Air, Glen Allen, Highland Springs, Laurel, Mechanicsville, Short Pump, and Tuckahoe.

We also have the ability to handle personal injury cases across the United States with appropriate local counsel admitted in the jurisdiction. Schedule your confidential consultation today.

Kevin W. Mottley [email protected]

Richmond, VA trial lawyer dedicated to handling brain injuries, car accidents and other serious injury claims

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My experience with the Mottley Law Firm I was involved in a three-car rear-end collision approximately two years ago. I was referred to Mr. Mottley by the James Garrett Law Firm in Richmond, Virginia. My personal-professional experience was very satisfactory. Mr. Mottley and his support staff were very knowledgeable about my specific legal facts and needs. Great communications, patience, responding perseverance, and knowledge. I recommend The Mottley Law Firm for your legal needs. Robert H. Mann