We all hope for the best after a car accident—after all, a vehicle can be replaced; replacing people is a bit more complicated. But the reality is, sometimes, injuries happen.
Some car accident injuries might not be readily seen or immediately felt, while others can take longer to show up—hours, days, even weeks.
No matter your condition when you walk away from the scene, it is a good rule of thumb to get checked out.
Following your car accident, you’re going to want to take so many notes that your hand cramps have cramps.
Also, make sure to contact your employer, auto insurance company and health insurance company. Take notes on each conversation, especially regarding:
Lastly, it’s a good idea to write down your own statement or firsthand recollection of what happened before, during and after the car accident. Eliminate emotion as much as possible. Try to stick to the facts and be clear and concise in your recitation of events. Avoid incriminating yourself.
Photographs from the scene that show damage to the vehicles, weather and road conditions, and injuries sustained are worthy of inclusion. Try to recall specific details about what actions taken by the other driver might have contributed to the accident and what actions you might have taken to try to avoid it.
Documenting your car accident injuries throughout recovery with photographic evidence and even more note-taking might also prove helpful.
Stomach and head pain (or any pain, for that matter!) should never be ignored following a car accident. It is possible for injuries to be internal (i.e. internal bleeding), thereby leaving no outward indications of harm. These injuries can range anywhere from minor contusions to life-threatening clots or tissue damage—and they can sometimes be difficult to assess and diagnose. Every second counts in order to get the necessary treatment. The faster and more efficiently you are treated, the better the outcome for recovery. This is yet another reason why an immediate medical evaluation for car accident injuries is a must! But it is possible for you to do all the right things and still miss something. Delayed injury symptoms can appear hours, days, or sometimes even a week or more after a car accident. Whether or not you feel the symptoms are related to the accident, you need to inform a doctor of your concerns and get re-checked, if needed. Following is a list of symptoms you should take seriously after you’ve been in a car accident:
Car accidents don’t just leave their victims with physical consequences. Psychological injuries are very real side effects of car crashes, as well.
Falling victim to a car accident can leave you unable to sleep or return to your normal daily responsibilities without feeling anxious or depressed. You might have difficulty concentrating at work or focusing on your kids, spouse or hobbies you once enjoyed.
Trauma associated with a car crash might not always be easily detectable, but it is often felt immensely in the form of nightmares, flashbacks, panic attacks, restlessness, fatigue, mood swings and other personality changes.
Post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychological injuries can significantly interfere with one’s ability to resume their normal life. Despite these injuries being “of the mind,” they can still be felt physically (they are often painful!) and lead to a diminished quality of life.
While these “unseen” injuries might be hard to prove, it is still important to talk to your doctor about what you are feeling and experiencing. Some psychological injuries might persist, but therapy and medications can possibly help get you back on track.
After going through the steps to take care of yourself medically, it is important to contact an experienced Alabama Accident Injury Lawyer to have someone on your side legally; someone who can also protect you financially. Being injured in a car crash can take a lot out of you. And the “mess” of the aftermath is one less thing you should have to worry about. An attorney who specializes in car accident injuries can help get you the financial support needed to get you back to full strength and back to the life you loved before the accident happened. Don’t stack on your injuries with financial injury, as well. If you or a loved one were harmed due to an accident, we offer a free consultation where victims can meet with an experienced Alabama Car Accident Lawyer to evaluate your options. Contact us today at 1-800-256-7728 or here on our website. May a full recovery be in your future!
