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As everyone knows, being in a vehicle accident is a traumatic event. When the initial shock wears off, victims are confronted with many issues such as medical problems, repairs, insurance companies, police reports and maybe even traffic court. Common sense may say that seeking medical advice from a physician should be done to get checked out and make sure there are no injuries. It is surprising, but many people do not do this even though it is the first thing that should be done following any accident. 

Even if many people have the “invincible” syndrome where they think they are too tough or in too good shape to be hurt, it is not macho to rule out internal injuries or damage to muscles or bones which may not be readily evident immediately following an accident. When “nothing hurts” other than bruises, bodies do not always register pain or injury right away as victims may be in shock. There are also chemicals in the body which can mask pain and discomfort after a high-stress incident such as a vehicle crash. 

What type of injuries can vehicle accidents cause? 

MyPhysiciansNow.com says that the most common injuries from vehicle accidents are: 

• Neck Injuries: Cervical spine injuries (also referred to as Whiplash, a type of neck injury) are perhaps the most common type of vehicle injury. Cervical spine injuries happen when a collision causes the head to suddenly shake forward or towards the side. This puts incredible pressure on the ligaments of the neck, causing strains and/or sprains. Some serious neck injuries, such as those that lead to disc herniation, require extensive physical therapy and sometimes even surgery. 

• Leg and Knee Injuries: Most people think of the upper body when they think of car injuries, but major accidents commonly result in knee and leg injuries as well. This is usually the result of part of the car getting smashed into the driver or passenger and can lead to everything from cuts to bruises to broken bones. The knees are especially prone to tearing and dislocation, but it is also possible to injure ankles or break toes during a car accident. 

• Broken Bones: Broken bones always require emergency care. Some can be repaired with a cast, while others might require surgery and hospitalization. This is in part determined by which bones have been broken. Bones that break in more than one piece are difficult to piece back together and might require the use of metal plates or screws. The most serious types of bone fractures are “compound fractures,” where the bone pierces the skin and sticks out. This is considered a major emergency because of the pain involved and the high risk of infection. 

• Back Injuries: Injuries to the back and spine can be very delicate. Some back injuries such as back strains and disc dislocations often require supportive care and physical therapy.  Blunt force can also cause serious injury to the spine and lead to chronic pain and even loss of mobility. 

• Concussions: Concussions occur when the brain is shaken severely inside the skull. This is often the result of hitting the head on the window or the steering wheel after a serious collision, but it can also happen without the head ever hitting any surface. If they are mild, they often require just a lot of rest and sleep to allow the bruising on the brain to heal. More serious concussions might require hospitalization and surgery, especially if the victim is experiencing symptoms like vomiting, severe nausea, headaches and disorientation. 

There is a danger if a doctor is not seen right after a vehicle accident. 

Only a trained and licensed physician can judge whether there are injuries following an accident. Also, when medical treatment is delayed, injuries may not be covered by insurance companies as most of them require victims to be seen by a doctor within 72 hours of an accident. 

Who is responsible for paying for a victim’s medical care? 

“The insurance company of the at-fault party is usually responsible for paying medical claims. Insurance companies should be promptly notified of vehicle accidents, but victims should never give recorded statements to insurance companies or settle without contacting a personal injury attorney. If you have been in a vehicle accident, you really need to be checked out by a physician. Then contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A,” said Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey.

Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys. He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida. For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com. Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information. You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.