After a crash, injuries can be worse than you think
On Behalf of Porter Ramsay LLP | Mar, 05, 2019 | Uncategorized
In the aftermath of a car crash, there is a lot for victims to process. They can be scared for their safety, worried about the damage to their vehicle and concerned with how the accident could derail their day or indefinite future.
With so much going on, it can be difficult to fully understand the extent of damage, especially when injuries seem absent or insignificant. However, before you dismiss your medical needs or accept a settlement from the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC), it can be crucial to consider the following types of injuries.
- Injuries that seem minor – As this article points out, whiplash is a common result of car crashes. And often, the stiffness, pain and headaches that accompany many accidents go away on their own or with at-home treatments. That said, this is not always the case. For some people, the conditions that appear minor at first never truly heal, or they get worse over time.
- Delayed injuries – Between the shock of an accident and variations in individual responses, not all accident injuries are immediately evident after an accident. Symptoms like headaches, stomach pain and nerve damage can take time to develop and become identifiable. Therefore, it is important for accident victims to carefully monitor their health in the days, weeks and months afterward. Should pain or other symptoms arise, it can be wise to visit the doctor and discuss whether they may stem from the collision.
- Invisible injuries – Walking away from a crash without visible injuries is not necessarily an indication that you have not suffered damages. There are injuries that we cannot see, including emotional trauma. Crash victims can experience depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. These can be just as painful and disrupting to a person’s life as any physical injury, and they too warrant medical attention and treatment.
It can be easy to overlook or minimize these types of injuries after a crash, particularly when you have other matters to tend to. However, they can be far more damaging than you initially recognize. They may lead to missed work days, ongoing care needs and extensive lifestyle changes.
As such, it is important to take your time when it comes to assessing your needs and legal options after a car crash. Rushing to a settlement or dismissing your healthcare needs could wind up having a more detrimental impact on your future than you might expect.