It’s no secret that a high-speed car accident can injure any part of your body. Brain trauma, broken bones, back strain – these are all common after serious collisions, and they can cost a veritable fortune to treat.
What you may not know, though, is that some of the most severe injuries do not show symptoms until several hours or even days after a crash. This is why it is so important to undergo a medical evaluation after any collision.
Minor neck pain, disorientation, and other subtle symptoms often indicate a major medical complication; however, if you do not undergo an immediate medical evaluation and you later decide to file a personal injury claim, it is likely that the insurance company or at-fault driver will dispute your claim.
Not visiting your doctor is just one of many potential mistakes that could prevent you from recovering fair compensation after a collision. The best way to avoid these oversights is to enlist the help of an experienced accident lawyer.
If your crash happened in New Mexico, turn to The Law Office of Brian K. Branch, PC. An Albuquerque injury attorney will help you navigate the claims process and fight for the maximum payout. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, and non-economic damages. Schedule a free initial consultation today by calling 505-207-4401
Read on to learn about six minor symptoms that could indicate a major injury after a collision:
- Neck Strain: This is often the first sign of whiplash, and serious complications can arise if whiplash is left untreated or if the patient does not take the necessary precautions during recovery.
- Back Pain: For many people, back pain is a normal part of their daily lives, so they might not suspect a problem if they notice this symptom after a crash; however, the shock and adrenaline of a collision can mask the severity of symptoms, and minor back pain might indicate a slipped disc, damaged vertebrae, or other complication that requires immediate treatment.
- Persistent Headaches: This is a common symptom of a traumatic brain injury. Car wrecks are the leading cause of TBIs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Examples of TBIs include concussions, contusions, and coup-contrecoup.
- Numbness: This is a symptom of a spinal injury.
- Sensory Changes: After an accident, it might be difficult to notice a subtle change in your sense of taste, smell, feeling, hearing, or vision, but if you suspect something is amiss, visit your doctor immediately.
- Abdominal Pain: This may indicate abdominal bleeding, which is a leading cause of death after serious accidents.
A fast diagnosis and treatment can be the difference between life and death or between making a full recovery and living with a permanent disability. Also, seeking prompt medical treatment will put you in a more favorable position to file a personal injury claim.
If you were injured in a collision with a negligent driver and you intend to file a claim, contact The Law Office of Brian K. Branch, PC. Our lawyers have a combined 32 years of experience protecting the rights of the injured. Call 505-207-4401 today to schedule a free consultation with an injury attorney in Albuquerque. If you would like to learn more about personal injury lawsuits in New Mexico, visit USAttorneys.com.