Why You Should Get Checked Out Even After a Mild Fender Bender

1. Injuries may not be immediately or obviously apparent

After an accident, you will be rattled and your system will be full of adrenaline. After the adrenaline wears off, you may experience aches and pains caused by whiplash and airbags that you didn’t feel before. Concussions and internal injuries may also be found, ranging from a day to a few weeks later. 

2. Legal reasons

Getting evaluated for injuries provides proof of any injuries or complications that may have arises during the crash. These are super important for insurance claims and other legal proceedings like suing for personal injury. This is also important to have so that if more complications arise in the future, the doctors will have a better record of what happened in the past. if the other party was at fault, their insurance will pay for your medical bills.

3. Long Term effects

Whiplash can cause neck pain that lasts for years if left untreated after the accident. Hidden spinal cord injuries aren’t common with minor accidents, but if left untreated, they can lead to paralysis or permanent disability. Chronic pain, limited mobility, and scarring are all very common long term effects of car accidents, with the risk getting higher the worse the car crash is. Bone fractures are also possible, and while they might not cause long term injury by themselves, but as you get older the risk of complications increases. Airbags and seatbelts may give you rashes and bruises, but they sure beat the alternative!

4. Prevention of undiagnosed conditions

Sometimes a fender bender can exacerbate underlying conditions that you didn’t know you had or lead to new ones. Getting checked by the doctor can help identify these issues sooner and prevent further injury.