A car accident can be a jarring experience; so much is happening so quickly that your body goes into fight or flight mode. The adrenaline rush of an accident puts us in a heightened state that tricks our brain into “ignoring” pain signals.
It could take a while to notice any injuries you may have received as the result of an accident, if you notice them at all. As a result, it’s absolutely crucial for you to assess yourself after an accident and try to tell if anything feels off.
In Las Cruces, New Mexico an experienced car accident attorney can help navigate you throughout every aspect after a car accident, like securing money for medical expenses, dealing with insurance, and filing claims. From attorney Clark Harmonson, here’s how to tell if you’ve suffered any injuries or emotional distress after a car accident. Car accidents are a common enough occurrence that there are a few common types of injuries associated with them. While you are on the scene, if possible, try and assess your body as best as possible. Some injuries will appear immediately, but it can take several days for others to appear.
Knowing the common injuries can help you recognize any signs at the moment:
- Whiplash
- Shoulder injuries
- Knee injuries
- Lacerations or puncture wounds
Car accidents are a common enough occurrence that there are a few common types of injuries associated with them. While you are on the scene, if possible, try and assess your body as best as possible. Some injuries will appear immediately, but it can take several days for others to appear.
Knowing the common injuries can help you recognize any signs at the moment:
- Whiplash
- Shoulder injuries
- Knee injuries
- Lacerations or puncture wounds
It is always recommended to consult a doctor if you have been in a car accident with some sort of impact. Bumps, bruises, and even fractures may not be immediately apparent immediately following an accident.
A medical professional can perform a comprehensive examination of your body to ensure you don’t have any injuries that may require additional medical attention – essentially diagnosing your pain before you even feel it.
The best course of action is to go to the emergency room immediately after an accident if you are injured or if the accident was severe, even if you feel okay at the time. Some injuries, like head injuries, are hard to immediately self-diagnose, It is better safe than sorry to get checked out by professionals when the accident is very bad. In minor accidents, if you don’t feel like a trip to the emergency room is in order, it is best to get checked out by your PCP or an urgent care facility in the days immediately following an accident. Car accidents are traumatic experiences for anyone that can go beyond being a little shaken up afterward. It is important to take note of the emotional and psychological effects that you experience after a car accident.
Below are some signs of psychological and emotional distress.
If they persist following an accident, seek medical help:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Memory loss
- Issues with concentration
- Depression and anxiety
- Irritability
- Personality changes
- Difficulty controlling your emotions
- Loss of interest in things you previously enjoyed
- Nightmares
- Panic attacks
- Lack of motivation
It is essential that we take psychological and emotional impacts as seriously as physical ailments. They impact our quality of life as much as physical injuries—and in some cases, psychological and emotional damage may take longer to recover from than physical injuries. Sometimes these psychological symptoms can also be warning signs of a serious traumatic brain injury. So, it is best not to ignore any feelings you have after a car accident. At Harmonson Law Firm, your health is a priority to us. We can help you navigate all the red tape that occurs after a car accident, including in the medical system.
Even if your injuries are unknown at this point, a lawyer can help you secure any compensation needed for medical bills, ambulance costs, and other expenses retained as a result of the accident. Contact (915) 233-6427 for a free consultation.
The post How do I know if I’m ok after a car accident? appeared first on Harmonson Law Firm.