Medical Treatment After a Vehicle Collision

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, there were 324,473 reported vehicle crashes in the year 2016. If you were involved in a vehicle collision in the past year, you know the emotional and physical ramifications can follow you long after the car has been repaired. People in vehicle collisions can experience a wide range of side effects and complications, even if they leave the scene of the accident feeling fine.

If you have been involved in a vehicle accident, should you seek medical treatment even if you are feeling fine? Here’s what you need to know about how seeking appropriate care can save you pain and money in the long run.

Pain Masking Endorphins

When you are involved in a vehicle accident, your body is automatically under major stress. To combat the experience, your body releases chemicals during its “fight or flight” response to stress. Endorphins and adrenaline increase in your body at the time of the accident and for a few hours immediately following. Thanks to these chemicals, your brain does not feel as much pain. This effect is why so many people leave the scene of a car accident without seeking treatment from a medical professional, whether a paramedic, emergency room physician or their primary care doctor – they feel just fine…until the endorphins and adrenaline regulate in their body.

Pain After the Fact

Most pain after a less severe car accident does not present itself right away. Between the endorphins and adrenaline, the brain doesn’t register any pain. However, it can also take a few days for the person to recognize soreness and muscle pain that was caused by the accident. Whiplash is especially deceptive, not showing up right away. Instead, car accident victims feel the pain associated with whiplash the next day.

What You Should Do

It is wise for you and your family members to seek medical treatment within two days of your vehicle accident. Not only will a medical exam check for complications like whiplash or brain injury, but it will also help with any insurance claims should you require financial assistance with your medical conditions. You can find medical treatment with a paramedic if one is called to the scene, or you can make an appointment with your primary care doctor for the next day. Just remember to not delay or postpone an appointment. Even if you feel fine, it is still wise for you to have a checkup from a medical professional.

If you have been injured in a car accident, you may be able to be compensated for your injuries and any time lost from your work. Call the team at Grewer Law. We have years of experience advocating for clients just like you, and with favorable results. Tell us more about your situation to get started.