After a car accident, whether you need medical help depends on the severity and type of your injuries. While serious injuries obviously require immediate attention, even seemingly minor ones, like a headache, can have serious health and legal implications. Although not legally required after every accident, seeking medical attention is essential, especially for head-related symptoms.
Sometimes, a headache isn’t just a headache
A minor headache could signal a more serious condition, such as a concussion. Concussions are common in car accidents, even without a direct blow to the head. Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury that can have lasting effects if not properly diagnosed and treated. Symptoms may not appear right away and can develop hours or even days later.
Besides headaches, other concussion signs include:
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Sensitivity to light or noise
There’s no single test for concussions. Doctors use physical exams, cognitive tests and, sometimes, imaging studies to diagnose them. A post-accident headache might be your brain’s way of saying something is wrong, so it’s important to seek medical attention even for what seems like a simple headache after a car accident.
Protecting your health and your rights
In New Jersey, the law requires reporting car accidents to the police as soon as you can if they result in injury, death or property damage over $500. This serves two purposes: ensuring public safety and creating an official record of the incident.
Prompt medical attention after an accident protects your health and helps any potential legal claim. Here’s why:
- Documentation: Medical records are crucial evidence of your injuries and their link to the accident.
- Insurance claims: Many insurance policies require prompt injury reporting. Delaying medical care can complicate your claim.
- Statute of limitations: You only have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. Prompt medical care helps you identify all injuries within this timeframe.
- Preventing defense arguments: If you delay seeking care, the other party might argue your injuries weren’t caused by the accident or weren’t as severe as you claim.
Remember, some injuries, like concussions or even internal bleeding, might not be immediately apparent. A medical professional can identify these hidden injuries and provide medical records necessary to build your claim.