NEW YORK. Medical care is incredibly expensive. According to CNBC, the average deductible for the lowest-cost Obamacare health plan is $6,000. For a family, the average deductible can be as high as $12,393. Most Americans simply do not have $6,000 in the bank, much less $12,393 to pay for medical expenses after a car accident. It is understandable why some people might choose to skip a hospital or doctor’s visit after a car accident if they are feeling fine. However, doing so could cost you. Some serious car accident injuries are not always diagnosed on the scene by emergency personnel. Victims could be feeling fine, but may be suffering from serious injuries. If you’ve been in a car accident, it is wise to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Only a doctor can adequately diagnose you and provide you with the medical care you need and deserve. Here are ten symptoms after a car accident you should never ignore.
- Back pain. Back pain can be the sign of a pulled muscle, or it can be a sign of a more serious injury that can result in permanent disability. According to the Mayo Clinic, one symptom of spinal cord injury is severe back pain. If your back hurts after a crash, seek medical attention. Spinal cord injuries may not always be apparent to victims or people on the scene of a crash.
- Weakness in any part of your body. Weakness could be a sign of a spinal cord injury as well. With proper medical treatment, doctors can sometimes bring down swelling and reduce the potential for long-term serious injury or damage. Delayed medical attention could potentially result in life-altering injuries that cannot be reversed. The sooner you receive medical attention, the better.
- Numbness or tingling sensation in your extremities. Again, any loss of sensation or change of sensation could be the sign of a spinal cord injury. Numbness can also occur slowly, over time, as swelling in the injured area increases. Swelling is one of the reasons why spinal cord injuries can become more severe.
- According to Active Beat, nausea after a car crash could be just nerves, or it could be a sign of traumatic brain injury. When it comes to serious injuries like traumatic brain injury, it is better to receive treatment as early as possible.
- Mood changes. Symptoms like mood changes can happen in the days and weeks after an accident. These symptoms could be the sign of a traumatic brain injury.
- A headache could be a sign that you have suffered a traumatic brain injury. Always take head pain after a crash seriously.
- Abdominal pain. Internal bleeding can lead to death if not treated immediately after a crash. Never ignore abdominal pain.
- Difficulty communicating. If a person has slurred speech, he or she may have suffered a traumatic brain injury and immediate medical attention is essential.
- Changes in vision. Vision changes can also be a sign of brain injury.
- Neck stiffness or back stiffness. Both of these symptoms could be a sign of a traumatic brain injury or a spinal cord injury. Not all of the most serious symptoms appear right away.
If you’ve been in a car accident, it is usually a good idea to seek medical care after a crash. Some injuries are not diagnosed in the immediate aftermath and can result in life-long disability if not properly treated. Your failure to seek medical care after an accident can also impact your ability to receive a recovery. Antin, Ehrlich, & Epstein, L.L.P. are personal injury lawyers in New York, who may be able to help you seek a recovery after a crash. While the thought of facing a high medical deductible can be overwhelming, our firm may be able to help you seek compensation from negligent parties for your medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Visit us at https://aeelaw.com/ to learn more.
Antin, Ehrlich & Epstein, LLP
Attorneys at Law
49 West 37th Street, Floor 7
New York, NY 10018
Phone:917-730-7151