If you are involved in a car crash, people might tell you to see a doctor. However, you might decide to ignore their advice. You might feel fine and consider it unnecessary. Or maybe you are put off by the time and cost of a check-up.
All that is understandable, but the smart thing to do is to get medical attention right away — no matter how inconvenient or unnecessary you may think it may be.
Injuries are not always apparent after a car crash
Just because you feel fine after a car collision does not mean you are injury-free. There are two main reasons for this:
- Human bodies have evolved to cope with danger: Our ancestors often had to fight for their food and their survival. They couldn’t afford to let pain get in the way when they needed to act. As a result, the human body learned to release adrenaline and endorphins in times of crisis to dull any pain while the “flight or fight” reaction is there. Thousands of years later, our bodies still release these chemicals in reaction to acute stress. When you have a car crash, you might not feel the pain until the chemical rush wears off.
- Some symptoms take time to present: Things like whiplash or a traumatic brain injury can delay making themselves known to you. They can take days or weeks. Sometimes it is the things you can’t see that cause you the most harm.
Car crash injuries can result in long-term suffering and pain. They could limit your ability to earn a living. Even if you feel okay, it is wise to get the all-clear from a medic. Delaying the check-up gives insurance companies the chance to blame any injuries on other causes. That could mean you do not receive the compensation you are entitled to receive for your pain, suffering, lost wages and other damages.