After a car accident, it’s often hard to know whether you need medical attention, especially if you feel only minor discomfort or shock.
At Blasingame, Burch, Garrard & Ashley, P.C., we understand that even minor crashes can lead to serious health risks.
With decades of experience representing car crash victims in Georgia, our attorneys are here to help you understand the warning signs after a car accident that indicate you should go to the hospital.
Recognizing these symptoms can protect your health and provide a foundation for any legal claims if you choose to seek compensation.
In this article, our experienced Athens, Georgia auto accident lawyers cover specific signs that indicate you should go to the hospital after a car accident, as well as address common questions like: Should I go to the hospital after a minor car accident? and How long after a car accident do you have to go to the hospital?
For a free consultation, please send us an online message or call (706) 354-4000 today.
What Are the Signs I Should Go to the Hospital After a Car Accident?
Knowing when to seek medical care is essential to safeguarding your health and legal rights after a collision. Recognizing the warning signs can help you know when to go to the hospital after a car accident.
1. Headaches
Persistent headaches following a car wreck should never be ignored, as they can indicate serious injuries such as concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), or even blood clots. Headaches may develop shortly after the collision or surface hours or days later.
Seeking immediate medical attention for a post-crash headache is crucial to rule out or diagnose potentially life-threatening conditions.
2. Abdominal Pain or Swelling
Abdominal pain or swelling can be a severe warning sign after a car crash, as it may indicate internal bleeding. Unlike external injuries, internal bleeding isn’t always visible and can go undetected without a medical evaluation. Symptoms like stomach pain, tenderness, or unusual swelling should prompt immediate medical attention, as untreated internal injuries can be life-threatening.
3. Dizziness or Nausea
Feeling dizzy or nauseous after a car collision could point to a concussion, TBI, or inner ear injury. While dizziness and nausea might seem minor, these symptoms often indicate more serious injuries that require prompt diagnosis and monitoring. If you’re feeling disoriented or dizzy, going to the hospital can help rule out or treat underlying conditions that may worsen if left untreated.
4. Chest Pain
Chest pain or difficulty breathing following a car wreck is a symptom that requires immediate emergency care. Chest pain may be due to fractured ribs, heart-related injuries, or internal bleeding.
This symptom is especially critical if the chest pain is combined with shortness of breath, as it can indicate severe lung or heart injuries that demand urgent treatment.
5. Changes in Vision or Hearing
Blurry vision, ringing in the ears, or any other changes in your vision or hearing after a car crash could point to head trauma or inner ear injuries. Crash victims should take these symptoms seriously, as they could signal a brain or sensory system injury. Immediate medical care can help diagnose these issues early, preventing long-term damage.
6. Swelling, Bruising, or Deformities
Visible bruising, particularly around the abdomen or chest, or swelling in the limbs or face may indicate soft tissue damage or fractures. Deformities or swelling could indicate broken bones or other serious injuries that need immediate attention. While bruising can be common after an impact, any large or rapidly spreading bruise strongly suggests that you should go to the hospital.
7. Difficulty Breathing
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing is another critical symptom that requires prompt medical evaluation after a car wreck. These symptoms may result from rib fractures, lung damage, or internal injuries. If you are struggling to breathe, especially if it worsens over time, this is a serious sign that medical intervention is necessary.
When to Go to the Hospital After a Car Accident
You might wonder, how long after a car accident do you have to go to the hospital? Even if you have no symptoms after a car accident, the answer is as soon as possible.
Some symptoms may emerge immediately, while others could take hours or even days. Being proactive with your health can help prevent hidden injuries from worsening and give you peace of mind. Seeking medical attention can also serve as essential documentation if you decide to pursue an insurance claim or lawsuit.
Should I Go to the Hospital After a Minor Car Accident?
Even if the car wreck was minor and your vehicle shows little damage, it’s wise to pay attention to any unusual physical sensations in the hours and days afterward.
Injuries from minor crashes don’t always present symptoms right away, and issues like whiplash or concussions can take time to become noticeable.
After a minor collision, seeking immediate care helps ensure you receive proper treatment and creates a medical record that could support any claims if you decide to pursue compensation.
While not every minor wreck will result in serious injuries, Blasingame, Burch, Garrard & Ashley, P.C. recommends consulting a healthcare provider. Doing so can prevent long-term consequences and provide valuable documentation should you need it in the future.
Contact Our Georgia Car Crash Lawyers Now
Blasingame, Burch, Garrard & Ashley, P.C. has served Georgia communities for over 40 years, providing trusted legal guidance to car crash victims and their families.
With decades of experience in personal injury law, our dedicated attorneys are committed to helping clients receive the compensation they deserve. We are here to help you navigate the next steps in your recovery and assist with any legal needs.
Contact us online or call (706) 354-4000 now for a free case evaluation.
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