In the aftermath of a car accident in New York, injuries may not manifest immediately. The presence of adrenaline and the potential for delayed symptom onset can effectively conceal serious medical issues. Consequently, any delay in seeking medical attention could negatively impact both your health and any subsequent legal claim. For this reason, it is crucial to get a medical check-up following a collision. To safeguard your rights during this challenging time, we recommend consulting with a seasoned New York City Car Accident Lawyer.
Why Is It Important to Seek Prompt Medical Care After a Car Crash in New York?
Even if you feel totally fine right after a car crash, you should be checked out by a doctor immediately. The shock of the crash can hide serious stuff like a concussion or whiplash for hours or even days later. Getting quick medical care is the best way to catch problems early. Plus, if you end up needing to file a claim, the doctor’s visit creates an instant, essential record linking your injuries to the accident. If you wait, the insurance company will likely try to deny your claim. Don’t risk your health or your potential payout.
What Are Common Car Crash Injuries That May Not Be Obvious at First?
Despite feeling fine or just slightly disoriented after an accident, a medical evaluation is critical to rule out any hidden injuries. Conditions such as whiplash and other soft-tissue injuries often manifest delayed symptoms, typically appearing within 24 to 72 hours, presenting as stiffness, soreness, and headaches.
Furthermore, a mild traumatic brain injury, or concussion, can occur without direct head impact, caused by the rapid jarring motion. This may result in subtle symptoms such as cognitive difficulty or sleep disturbances that are easily missed in the immediate aftermath of the collision.
In rare but critical instances, internal bleeding or organ trauma can be present with no external signs of an injury. Consequently, the considerable forces involved in a crash can inflict damage that is neither immediately visible nor perceptible, making the decision to forgo medical evaluation ill-advised. A medical evaluation is essential for the early detection and proper treatment of these potential issues.
What Happens If I Don’t Go to the Hospital Right Away?
While it is completely normal to simply shrug off a minor car accident, especially if you seemingly walked away unscathed. You felt fine, so you just went home, right? But if you wake up the next or even a few mornings later feeling sore or just generally lousy, don’t ignore it. That discomfort could be your body signaling an underlying issue that requires attention. Don’t wait to get yourself to a doctor, even if a few days have passed.
When you get to your appointment, be totally upfront with your provider. Let your doctor know the timeline: when the crash happened, when the stiffness kicked in, and that you honestly believed you were fine initially. Receiving medical help late is still way better than skipping it. Additionally, medical documentation is crucial to protect your legal entitlements.
Even if you feel fine, get checked out anyway. At The Bàez Legal Group, we are prepared to help you fight for the justice you deserve. Connect with our legal team today to schedule a consultation.
