When it comes to car accidents, in the best of circumstances a driver may walk away with only minor scrapes and perhaps feeling a little disoriented. In the worst scenario, a driver may not survive the impact or pass away later due to a complexity of injuries. Immediately after a crash, a driver should evaluate themselves for any visible injuries. However, even if there are no exterior injuries, a driver could have underlying physical damages that have yet to surface.
Here in the article below, we have answered a series of questions about why you should get medical attention immediately after the crash, and what to bring to your first consultation with a car accident attorney in Atlanta, GA.
What is an example of an internal injury that could be life-threatening?
A common injury that may not always show itself externally are traumatic brain injuries. A driver can sustain such an injury due to the force of impact, or from hitting his or her head on an object in the vehicle. Unless there is bleeding coming from a wound on the head, it can be difficult to know whether a traumatic brain injury has occurred.
Why are traumatic brain injuries so serious?
What makes traumatic brain injuries so life-threatening, is that a driver could be die if prompt medical attention is not sought for brain swelling and/or bleeding. Signs that a brain injury may have happened to you during the car accident include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Clear fluid draining from around the nose or ears
- Difficulty sleeping
- Trouble taking in new information
- Challenges understanding others
- Slurred speech
- Blurry vision
- Mood swings or personality changes
- Other cognitive or physical impairments
If I feel okay right after the accident, can I wait to see my doctor until later?
When we go through a particularly troubling and sudden event, our body may respond by going into fight or flight mode. During this state, adrenaline and other hormones may surge through our body to help us handle the distressing situation. These hormones can hinder our ability to sense pain in our own body. That is, until we have had enough time to calm down and return to a relaxed state. It may be best to get medical attention right away, to help prevent any injuries from worsening within the hours or days after the accident.
Would it be a good idea to see an attorney?
If you were the victim of a car accident and suffered physical as well as financial loss, you may want to meet with an auto accident attorney Dekalb County, GA residents trusts as soon as possible. You may be entitled to receiving a monetary award for your medical expenses, vehicle damages, loss of wage and more. To help your attorney provide you with a thorough consultation, you may want to bring along the following information:
- Medical expenses, receipts, unpaid bills
- Copy of police report
- Photographs of car damages and injuries
- The other driver’s details and insurance company
- Statements from work regarding loss of pay
Thank you to our friends and contributors at Andrew R. Lynch, P.C. for their insight into fatal car accidents.