I Don’t Know If I Am Hurt After My Accident; Should I See a Doctor?

If you were in a car accident in San Antonio, it is wise to see a doctor as soon as possible, for injury evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and medical follow-up instructions if needed.

Should I go directly to the doctor from the scene of my accident?

If you are seriously injured, then you should proceed to a doctor right after the crash. We understand that sometimes, your regular GP won’t be available at the time of your crash, but we recommend that you not delay care just because you cannot see your regular doctor. If you do not go the day of the incident, you should schedule an appointment for as soon as you possibly can.

Do I need to call an ambulance after my car accident?

You should call an ambulance after suffering any injuries in a San Antonio car accident. Even if you feel mild symptoms, you should consider your duty of care not only to yourself and your passengers but to the other road users around you.

NBCNews4SA reported on October 7, 2023, that an elderly man suffered a medical episode behind the wheel, leading to a multi-car accident on San Antonio’s West Side. He lost control of his vehicle and collided with several cars at an intersection. The driver was brought to the hospital in critical condition, his passenger and other road users suffered a varying range of injuries. This incident highlights the seriousness of driving while in a vulnerable state.

After being involved in a car accident, any minor symptoms should be taken seriously and victims should never drive themselves to the hospital. Immediately following a car accident, victims face increased vulnerability to experiencing health episodes. Do not take the risk of driving in this condition.

Which injuries may have delayed symptoms?

Some car accident-related injuries may not present with symptoms right away. They can include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): TBIs are a common result of car accidents, particularly in rear-end collisions or any incident where sudden deceleration occurs. However, their symptoms can often remain hidden immediately after the crash. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, and require timely medical intervention. Victims of these types of injury should not be behind the wheel until a medical professional can assess their condition.
• Blunt cardiac injury (BCI): This type of injury is often associated with significant force. The most frequent cause of BCI in car accidents is a direct impact to the chest area, such as hitting the steering wheel or dashboard. BCI is a serious condition that may have delayed symptoms and can result in complications affecting the heart’s function.
• Internal bleeding: Internal bleeding can result from damage to blood vessels or organs due to the impact of the accident. Without timely medical attention, internal bleeding can rapidly lead to life-threatening complications.

In all of these cases, the delayed onset of symptoms underscores the importance of seeking medical evaluation immediately following a car accident, regardless of how minor your injuries may seem initially. Ignoring these potential injuries can put you and your passengers at risk of worsening health conditions and complications.

Symptoms to watch out for following your San Antonio car accident:

In the aftermath of your accident, be on the lookout for the following symptoms which may be indicative of a serious underlying injury.

• Headache: Persistent or worsening headaches, especially accompanied by dizziness or confusion.
• Nausea: Frequent or severe nausea, which may be indicative of a possible concussion or other head injury.
• Memory problems: Difficulty recalling recent events or having trouble concentrating.
• Abdominal pain: Unexplained or worsening abdominal pain may be a sign of internal bleeding.
• Weakness: A sudden drop in energy levels or generalized weakness that may indicate internal bleeding or nerve injuries.
• Dizziness: Frequent or severe dizziness, which could be a sign of internal bleeding, head injuries, or nerve damage.
• Drop in blood pressure: A noticeable drop in blood pressure, which can be a symptom of internal bleeding.
• Confusion: Feeling disoriented or confused is a common symptom of head injuries.
• Change in heart rate: Any irregularity or rapid heart rate should be addressed by a medical professional.

If you experience any of these symptoms following a car accident, seek medical attention promptly, as they could be indicative of hidden injuries that may require treatment and monitoring.

Your safety and health should always be the top priority after being involved in any accident. Having a medical professional document injuries immediately after your accident will help your attorney in negotiations with insurance companies and in potential court proceedings when pursuing a personal injury claim.

You do not need to handle the cost of injury treatment alone. At the Law Offices of Pat Maloney we specialize in personal injury cases resulting from car accidents, and will work diligently to hold the responsible party liable to cover your recovery expenses. Read our testimonials to see how we have helped our San Antonio neighbors in obtaining fair compensation after their accidents.

If you have been the victim of a car accident in the San Antonio area, do not delay in seeking legal help during this challenging time following your accident. Call or contact us today for a free initial consultation.