Caring for others is human nature. You want people to be healthy and, after an accident, you’re concerned if that’s the case. Everyone knows how seriously we can get hurt in a car accident.
While it’s natural to check on everyone’s status, you should also proceed with caution when you’re asked that question yourself. In the spur of the moment, a quick “I’m okay” might feel accurate when it’s not.
Out of Sight, Out of Mind
Just because you can’t see an injury doesn’t mean it’s not there. The force of two or more vehicles on impact takes a toll on the human body beyond cuts, scrapes and broken bones.
Many internal injuries take time to surface, especially given those fast minutes after a car crash. Concussions, whiplash, internal bleeding, blood clots, muscle damage, sprains, and nerve damage are just a few common injuries that can take time to reveal their full severity.
In addition, a car accident activates adrenaline in the bloodstream, which can mask an injury until you’ve settled down.
Your Record of Health
After a car accident, it is important to make sure that everybody gets the assistance they need, whether that means walking away on their own or by calling an ambulance. You should also visit a doctor yourself, whether you show symptoms or not. Not only will this help identify unseen issues, it creates a record of your health. Any change will be measured with time.
Choosing Your Words
When you say, “I’m okay,” you might mean “at the moment,” but words are subject to interpretation and the other driver is going to remember what you said when he or she is putting in an insurance claim.
While you may feel healthy after an accident, remember to choose your words carefully. What you see may not be what you get in the end, and the wrong choice of words (however well-intentioned) can hurt your ability to get a proper settlement down the line.
Call Our Experienced Lake Charles Car Accident Attorney Today
If you aren’t familiar with filing personal injury claims, you should consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer to gain a better understanding of what it entails. The Johnson Firm lawyers are skilled in this. We will steer through the process and work to achieve the desired outcomes. We will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Speak to us on 337-433-1414.