There’s a reason why people should receive medical treatment after a car accident – not all injuries are immediately apparent. There are some types of fractures and internal damage that will only show up with an MRI or CT scan and aren’t immediately visible with an x-ray, the typical means that’s used to identify injuries.
There are two possible components to the trauma of a car accident. One is physical and the other mental. Immediately following a car accident, the body is flooded with hormones that help them cope with the emergency. Those substances also function as pain blockers and an individual may not even notice pain or dysfunction until several hours or even days afterward.
Untreated, those injuries are exacerbated and can lead to amputations, paralysis, and permanent disability. They can include head, neck, spine, fractures, and muscle injuries. Cuts and burns can lead to infections that are difficult to treat or leave scarring. Life-threatening sepsis is also possible.
Even if an individual doesn’t sustain a physical injury, it can affect people emotionally and mentally. Disorders that can develop include:
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Behavioral disorders
- Depression
- Fear
- Personality changes
- Phobias
- PTSD
A diagnosis of any of those conditions can present in a variety of ways encompassing mood swings and sleep disturbances to random crying and weight loss. The lasting effects of a car accident can be debilitating and result in loss of employment and income.
Obtaining medical attention immediately following a car accident is essential for health and documentation purposes. It’s equally important that individuals seek the services of a mental health professional to address mental or emotional trauma instead of trying to deal with it on their own. It will also be an integral part of the documentation required should litigation be required.
One of the essential steps anyone involved in a car accident can do is seek the assistance of an attorney as soon after an accident as possible to explore their options. An attorney specializing in this type of case will be able to advise clients about their rights.
Whether you need a Divorce, are dealing with Custody or Child Support issues, or need representation in a Personal Injury matter, the Law Offices of Theodore H. Enfield can confidently assist you. To learn more about how we can help you or to discuss the facts of your case with our attorneys, call to schedule your free consultation.