How Long After a Car Accident Can Injuries Appear?
If you’ve been involved in a car accident but don’t think you were injured in the process, it’s important not to rely solely on your first impressions. The fact is that there are a range of reasons why an injury may not be immediately apparent, and some very serious injuries can take a considerable amount of time before they grab your attention. The bottom line is that seeking medical care immediately after a car accident is always encouraged, and the second most important step you can take is to consult with an experienced Davidson County car accident attorney as soon as you can.
When Injuries Hide in Plain Site
There are a host of reasons why an injury you suffer in a car accident may take some time to get noticed, and better understanding these reasons can help to ensure that you receive the medical attention you need when you need it – which is always sooner rather than later. While there is no denying some injuries, such as broken bones and serious burns, others are far more difficult to assess. Consider each of the following concerns:
- The violent impact of a car accident can leave you dazed and confused, and the shock and adrenaline rush you experience can mask a wide range of symptoms as well as a considerable amount of pain.
- Some injuries are slower to present with symptoms to begin with. For example, a soft tissue injury like whiplash can take days to develop into something noticeably painful.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can leave you feeling *off *right from the start, but they can also build to more serious symptoms over time as your brain swells.
- Spinal cord injuries can also be asymptomatic until they develop into something far more serious.
- Internal injuries can be difficult to diagnose without careful medical care, and they can also prove deadly without the appropriate medical attention.
For the sake of your car accident claim and for the sake of your health and well-being, keep in mind that it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to car accidents and potential injuries.
Remain Vigilant
Even if your doctor has given you a clean bill of health post-accident, you’re advised to remain hyper-vigilant regarding how you’re feeling in the days and weeks to come. In reality, there are no guarantees when it comes to the effects that the immense impact of a car accident can have on your physical or mental health – and there are no predetermined timelines that dictate when symptoms will occur. If you feel like something is amiss, don’t hesitate to check back in with your medical provider – an injury could be sneaking up on you, and early diagnosis is very closely associated with an improved prognosis.
Seek the Legal Counsel of an Experienced Davidson County Car Accident Attorney Today
The well-respected Davidson County car accident attorneys at Raybin & Weissman appreciate just how common it is for injuries to lie in wait after car accidents and just how dangerous this can be. We are well positioned and well prepared to fight for your claim’s best possible resolution, so please don’t wait to contact us online or call 615-256-6666 for more information today.