Personal Injury Lawyer
The types of injuries a person may sustain after a car accident can vary greatly, depending on the severity of the crash. The speed of the other car, whether you had a chance to slam on your breaks, and which direction you were hit, are all factors that can determine how the body may be injured. Some physical wounds are minor, and may only require rest and supplies from a standard first aid kit. Other kinds of injuries may be more serious and necessitate a fast trip to the emergency room. Not all injuries present themselves at the scene of the crash, so getting a check up with your doctor soon after is highly recommended, as well as working with an auto accident attorney Canoga Park, CA offers.
It is important that a victim driver in a car accident understands the facts about certain injuries, and why it is so important to get prompt medical care:
Q: If I am in minor pain, should I still go to the hospital?
A: Yes, whether you feel pain in the moments after the accident or in the days after, it is critical that you go to the nearest emergency room. Our body sends us signals when something isn’t right, so even minor pain could mean there’s an injury which requires immediate medical intervention.
Minor pain particularly in the neck, back, and shoulder area can be signs of musculoskeletal injuries. This is when muscles, tendons, nerves, and ligaments can become bent, stretched or compacted. These musculoskeletal injuries can be just as painful as a broken bone, and hinder your ability to perform everyday tasks.
Q: If I think I hit my head during the crash, could I have a concussion?
A: Anyone who suspects they have a head injury, must request medical attention at the scene. When it comes to the health of our brain, we cannot take any chances. The fact is, even a mild head injury can become life-threatening if left untreated. From the impact, a person may have brain swelling and bleeding, which can quickly turn into a fatality. Many people don’t think an injury has happened unless there is an external wound. However, concussions and other brain injuries can still occur without any outward observable clues. Signs of a concussion can include:
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- Seeing “stars”
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- Dizziness and confusion
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- Ringing in ears
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- Nausea and/or vomiting
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- Headaches
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- Loss of consciousness
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- Fluid draining from ears and nose
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- Not understanding spoken word of others
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- Slurred speech
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- Trouble concentrating
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- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Increased irritability or mood swings
Q: What if I can’t pay the medical expenses related to my car accident?
A: Sadly, many people are involved in car accidents due to no fault of their own. Another driver may have been driving carelessly when the crash happened. Now, you may be faced with substantial medical bills that you are simply unable to pay for. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to file a civil lawsuit against the other driver for damages and expenses, so you can rebound from the accident financially.
Thank you to our friends and contributors at Barry P. Goldberg for their insight into personal injury claims and why you should get medical attention for a car accident.