If you were just in a car accident, and you’re reading this blog post online, you should probably put down your phone, tablet, or computer and see a medical professional ASAP. You may feel fine, or there might be a slight discomfort in your neck, but this doesn’t change the fact that some injuries after a car accident don’t show up right away. Later on, these injuries may become severe, and legal recourse may be unavailable to you at that point.
At Hoffmaier & Hoffmaier, we’ve helped several individuals recover compensation for financial damages caused by a car accident injury, and we can help you too. Nevertheless, it’s important to remember that medical documentation is weighed heavily in New York civil courts, and courts depend on this documentation when proving fault or calculating a fair and reasonable settlement. Also, the first steps that you take after a car accident may affect the compensation you’re entitled to in New York courts.
If you were in an accident, you can contact the NYC car accident attorneys at Hoffmaier & Hoffmaier free of charge. We offer free consultations, so call us today at (212) 777-9400.
Why You Should Seek Medical Attention (Even Though You Feel Okay)
Following a car accident, you may be experiencing a certain rush of adrenaline, and, initially, you may not even notice if you’re hurt. In most cases, after the shock wears off, things like broken bones and other injuries will present themselves. Other types of injuries, such as soft tissue injuries and concussions, might not appear for several days later (or longer in some cases).
Nonetheless, if you feel just a little bit of pain or discomfort, you should seek medical attention right away. Your doctor will be in the best position to determine if you’ve been injured. Additionally, if you’re making an injury claim after the accident, you need to document the fact that you sought medical treatment within a reasonable amount of time.
Soft Tissue Injuries After a Car Accident
Soft tissue injuries are a common type of injury that you might not feel right away; in general, these injuries involve muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other similar parts of the body. The most common type of soft tissue injury, however, is “whiplash,” which is an injury to the neck when the head is forcibly whipped forward and then back again. Soft tissue injuries can take days, or even weeks, to show up, and these types of injuries are not visible on x-rays.
Concussions After a Car Accident
Concussions can be very serious, but the symptoms of a concussion may take some time to manifest themselves. With a more serious injury, the symptoms of a concussion can be fairly obvious, manifesting as a loss of consciousness or severe disorientation. In other cases, however, the concussion might not show up right away.
If you’re unsure whether you had a concussion in a car accident, look out for symptoms such as:
- An inability to concentrate
- Cloudy thinking
- Disorientation
- Difficulties remembering new information
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Abnormal sleeping patterns, such as sleeping too little or sleeping too much
- Headaches
- Blurry vision
First Steps After a Personal Injury Accident
Following an accident, you should seek medical attention immediately, even if the accident involved minor pain, discomfort, dizziness, or numbness. Not only is getting medical attention good for your health, but it can also strengthen a personal injury claim later on. In general, if the insurance company sees that you didn’t seek medical attention immediately, it might assume that you weren’t hurt enough to justify a personal injury claim. Furthermore, if the insurer knows that you went directly to the hospital after the accident, then it is likely that nothing else could have caused your injuries.
Call the NYC Car Accident Attorneys at Hoffmaier & Hoffmaier
In conclusion, when you’re involved in a car accident, if you have the slightest discomfort or pain, or you just feel that something isn’t right, you should get yourself checked out by a doctor. After seeking medical care, you can call the NYC car accident attorneys at Hoffmaier & Hoffmaier. We offer free consultations, and by calling our attorneys, we’ll examine your case, build up evidence, and vigorously litigate both in and out of the courtroom. To speak with our attorneys about your car accident and injuries, call our Manhattan-based law firm today at (212) 777-9400.