GET A FREE CONSULTATION (702) 680-1111
When you head out in your car, the last thing you expect is to be injured in an accident. The fact is, however, that serious accidents are extremely common and can happen to anyone on the road at nearly anytime. The confusion and panic that’s common in the aftermath of a traffic crash can cloud your judgment and leave you unsure regarding how best to proceed. Understanding the basics about what to do after a wreck can help you make the best decisions for your health and your legal rights. If another driver’s negligence leaves you injured in a car accident, you should call an experienced Las Vegas personal injury attorney as soon as you can.
When the Emergency Room Is a Given
Every traffic crash is unique to the circumstances at hand, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to whether or not you should go to the emergency room. However, if a police officer or an emergency medical professional at the scene suggests that you should go to the emergency room, defer to his or her wisdom. Now is not the time to gamble with your health. Police officers and the medical professionals on the scene are experienced with these situations, and if any one of them thinks you need emergency care, it’s in your best interest to follow their advice. Further, if you are obviously seriously injured or think you might be, it’s better to be safe and head to the ER to get checked out by a healthcare professional.
If You’re Experiencing Pain
Sometimes, the decision to go to the ER is very cut and dry, but other times, it may not be clear whether you need to go. The first thing you should do is assess the level of pain you’re experiencing. If you are in a significant amount of pain, seek emergency care. That pain is telling you something.
It’s important to remember, however, that the shock that comes from being involved in a car accident can send any number of chemicals coursing through your body, including adrenaline, which can mask a significant amount of pain. This is how injured athletes are able to keep going after serious injuries – to their own detriment. Some even forget they’ve been injured. The same thing can happen to you after a car crash, and the effects can last for several hours. If you are registering pain, it’s a good idea to be safe rather than sorry and take a trip to the ER. Further, if bystanders at the scene are advising you to seek emergency care, take their advice – they have a reason for offering it.
Low-Speed Crashes
Many people are under the mistaken belief that low-speed crashes that neither cause much property damage nor deploy the airbags are extremely unlikely to cause serious injury. This, however, simply isn’t the case. The fact is that low-speed crashes can lead to head, upper neck, and spine injuries that can be extremely painful and debilitating.
Further, injuries to the head and neck are unpredictable and should never be ignored. If you have any pain or discomfort in your neck or in the large muscles of your back, a visit to the ER is probably in order. If you’re feeling weird, dizzy, or otherwise off, you may have a concussion, which should always receive emergency care.
Alongside seeking immediate medical attention after an accident, it’s essential to document the aftermath. Capturing photographic evidence is a critical step many overlook. Taking pictures after a car accident not only helps in assessing the extent of physical damages but also strengthens your case should you pursue legal action. A visual representation can paint a clearer picture and can be pivotal in any claim process.
Concussions and Other Traumatic Head Injuries
Concussions are a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI), and TBIs deserve attention of their own. Concussions are often caused by the violent shaking of the head, such as can occur in car crashes – although there is generally no visible injury. TBIs often go undiagnosed, which allows them time to develop into injuries that are more serious and more difficult to treat. According to the Mayo Clinic, the signs associated with concussions and other TBIs include:
These symptoms are often immediate, but there are others that can appear hours after an injury, including problems with your concentration and memory, negative changes in your personality, sensitivity to noise and light, sleep issues, increased anxiety and depression, and taste and smell disorders. If you exhibit any of the signs or symptoms associated with a concussion, it’s in your best interest to head to the ER.
Contact a Skilled Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation
If a negligent driver leaves you injured in a car crash, call the dedicated personal injury attorneys at Gina Corena & Associates today. We are committed to helping victims obtain the compensation to which they are entitled. For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact or call us at 702-680-1111 today.
As founder of Gina Corena & Associates, she is dedicated to fighting for the rights of the people who suffer life-changing personal injuries in car, truck and motorcycle accidents as well as other types of personal injury. Gina feels fortunate to serve the Nevada community and hold wrongdoers accountable for their harm to her clients.
