The aftermath of any motor vehicle accident has the potential to be completely chaotic. Cars are disabled and debris is scattered across the roadway, which quickly becomes congested with bystanders and rubberneckers. There are other people involved in the accident and witnesses gathering. If a crash is serious, police and ambulance will also be on the scene.
In all this activity, it can be easy to minimize or look past your own seemingly minor injuries in favor of giving police your statement and just getting back home. However, neglecting your own medical needs can have devastating consequences, particularly if you are suffering from a concussion or other type of brain injury.
The symptoms of a concussion may start off minor; some people may hardly notice the headaches, confusion, dizziness, nausea, light sensitivity or difficulty concentrating. Those who do may think they will just go away on their own.
However, left untreated, even a minor concussion can lead to severe and devastating conditions, as explained in this New York Times article. People can struggle with:
- Memory problems
- Irritability
- Impulse control problems
- Impaired judgment
- Dramatic shifts in personality
- Depression
In order to avoid these distressing conditions, you will want to seek medical attention right away.
Sadly, too many people hesitate to visit the doctor for a number of reasons, such as not wanting to take on the added expense of medical care and therapy. However, you can also consult an attorney after an accident to examine your legal options for seeking compensation to cover these and the other expenses stemming from an accident caused by a negligent or reckless party.
Taking care of your medical and legal needs should be your top priorities after a motor vehicle crash. With proper support, you can focus on recovering from an accident and moving forward.
