After a fender bender, you might feel tempted to skip visiting the hospital, especially if you feel completely fine. However, some injuries can take time to produce noticeable symptoms. Knowing what to watch for can help you decide when to seek medical care.
Hidden injuries can appear hours or days later
A crash can trigger a stress response that may temporarily reduce how strongly you feel pain. As a result, you may feel fine at first even if the crash caused an injury. Some symptoms may become noticeable hours or days later.
Whiplash can occur even after a minor crash. This neck injury happens when your head moves suddenly forward and backward. You may not notice neck pain, stiffness or headaches until hours or days after the crash. If these symptoms appear, consider seeking medical evaluation.
Concussions and other brain injuries can also be difficult to recognize at first. You might hit your head without realizing that you have suffered an injury. Symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, memory problems or nausea can occur with a concussion and may require medical evaluation.
Internal injuries can also present a serious concern. Soft tissue injuries, internal bleeding or organ damage may not cause obvious symptoms right away. Some of these injuries can become serious without prompt medical evaluation.
Understanding time limits for filing claims
Maine generally gives you six years to file a personal injury lawsuit. A statute of limitations sets a deadline for bringing a legal claim. Once the applicable period expires, you may lose the ability to pursue the claim in court. However, the filing deadline does not mean you should wait to seek medical care.
Even when a claim remains within the applicable deadline, a long gap between the crash and medical treatment may raise questions about the cause or timing of an injury. Seeking care promptly can create medical records that document your symptoms and treatment soon after the crash.
Medical documentation protects your interests
A medical visit creates a record of your symptoms, examination and treatment after the crash. Those records can help show when your symptoms began and how your condition changed over time.
Prompt medical care can also provide documentation that helps explain the connection between the crash and your injuries. If you wait days or weeks to see a health care professional, you may later need to explain why you delayed treatment.
A health care professional can evaluate your symptoms and determine whether you need additional testing. Depending on your symptoms, a provider may recommend imaging or other tests to look for injuries that you cannot identify on your own.
Making the right choice for your health
Even minor collisions can cause injuries that take time to manifest. If you develop pain, dizziness, headaches, confusion or other concerning symptoms after a crash, consider seeking medical care as soon as possible. A healthcare professional can evaluate your condition and help determine whether you need further treatment. It is important to prioritize your health and safety after any car crash in Maine, no matter how severe.