According to recent data from BTS (Bureau of Transportation Statistics), approximately 6.75 million car accidents are recorded in the U.S. alone every year. Due to this, 20 to 50 million people get severely injured or disabled. Major cases are reported in the cities with heavy traffic, such as Atlanta.
That’s why if you or your loved one had an accident, it is essential to seek medical help immediately.
Even if you don’t see any visible physical injury, it does not mean that your organs are in good shape after this traumatic event. So, you must visit the doctor and also take the following action.
Do Not Settle Right Away
Legally, as a victim of a car accident in Atlanta, you have the right to get monetary compensation for your sufferings. Typically, the driver’s insurance company will try to settle your claim as soon as possible, especially if there is no physical injury. However, to protect your rights, you must hire an atlanta personal injury attorney and let them handle your case. As you may or may not be in the situation to think practically, your attorney can help you claim the rightful compensation.
Also, you must not sign the release until all the medical tests or exams have been done and confirmed that you are safe and healthy.
Otherwise, if an injury is discovered after signing the release, you’ll not be able to make a claim. Instead, you waive your legal right to pursue that compensation. That’s also the reason why you must keep an attorney by your side as they can guide you.
Injuries That May Appear Later On
Soft Tissue Injury
Any damage to the body apart from the bones is soft tissue injury. It generally includes injury in tendons, muscles, or ligaments. Car accidents generate a lot of force both for the driver as well as the victim. It can cause stress on the joints and other body parts, leading to soft tissue injury.
The most common type of injury is “Whiplash,” which occurs on the neck muscles. These injuries cause immense pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. However, the symptoms are not shown immediately; it could take weeks for the first symptom to show. Therefore, you must get your body checked.
Concussion
Generally, the human brain is protected by the skull and the fluid inside of it. But, if you strike your head violently, your brain might also strike the inside of your skull with immense force. This could lead to a concussion.
Needless to say, a concussion can be very serious, but its symptoms are not often visible immediately. Some symptoms such as unconsciousness or disorientation are obvious, but they are not sure. Apart from these, other symptoms are:
- Inability to concentrate
- Headache
- Clouded thinking
- Difficulty remembering information
- Blurry vision
- Lack of energy
- Nausea and dizziness
- Abnormal sleep patterns
If you experience any of these signs, you must visit your doctor immediately as it could be due to a concussion.
To conclude
No physical injury does not mean that the accident was not dangerous. So, you must visit the doctor and also contact your attorney to safeguard your rights.
