After being involved in a car accident, some people skip immediate medical care because they feel fine. Perhaps, they don’t have a visible injury, or they have sustained a “minor” cut or bruise. So, they leave the accident scene and carry on with their day.
However, doing this can be risky. It’s vital to seek immediate medical attention after a car accident because:
Adrenaline may be masking pain
The body’s fight-or-flight response releases a surge of adrenaline after a traumatic event like an accident. This increases heart rate, blood pressure, energy and alertness to help the body escape danger. In addition to adrenaline, the body releases endorphins, which act as natural pain relievers. When pain is masked, one can manage a stressful event calmly.
While these changes provide instant benefits, they can create a false sense of wellness. An injured person may believe they are unharmed, yet they may have suffered from whiplash, internal injury, spinal cord injury, etc.
They may only start to notice pain after the body calms down, which can be an hour or longer after the accident. By this time, an injury may have worsened. An immediate medical evaluation helps to ensure hidden injuries are discovered and treated.
Some injuries have delayed symptoms
Some injuries do not show symptoms immediately, especially soft tissue injuries and internal bleeding/damage. They can remain unnoticeable until inflammation and swelling begin. It can take hours before inflammation develops.
You need medical documentation
Another reason to receive medical care immediately after a car accident is to get records that link your injuries to the accident. Getting medical attention days after an accident can result in insurance companies arguing that your injuries were caused by an unrelated event.
Seeking medical help immediately after leaving an accident scene is crucial. Learn more to know the steps to take afterward.