Getting into a car accident can be a traumatic experience that damages your vehicle and results in injuries. Not only do many people die in motor vehicle crashes every year, but these accidents often result in serious and in some cases, debilitating injuries.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 2 million people in the U.S. sustain injuries in a car accident every year. Although some injuries are catastrophic and obvious, others, including head, neck and back injuries may not show up right away after the initial trauma.
Symptoms to watch for
Even if you think you were not seriously injured in a car accident, you should watch for certain symptoms that indicate you sustained a head, neck or back injury. Some of these symptoms include persistent headaches, severe pain in your back or neck, changes in your memory or concentration, nausea and vomiting, and localized pain, tenderness or stiffness.
When to see a doctor
It’s always best to get checked out following any car accident. That being said, do not ignore these symptoms in the following days, weeks and even months following a motor vehicle crash. See a doctor right away if your symptoms get progressively worse or if it becomes difficult to perform normal daily tasks as you could before the accident.
Waiting too long to seek medical care for head, neck and back injuries can compromise your healing and impact your ability to receive compensation for your expenses. Write down your symptoms as soon as they start to appear and save all records and receipts for medical treatment you receive for injuries related to the accident.