What Health Checks Should You Perform After a Car Accident

A car accident can be a jarring experience that could leave you worried for your health, which can increase your overall recovery time, leading to other complications. 

To set the worry of potential injuries after a motor vehicle accident, you must understand some essential health checks you must do following a car accident

7 Essential Health Checks to Perform After a Car Accident

Basic Self-Assessment for Injuries 

After a car accident, you should perform a basic injury check to determine whether you suffered any injuries. 

While this self-assessment is not equal to a medical professional’s assessment, it can provide valuable information about whether you are injured.

Performing this self-assessment will include you checking yourself for any:

•  Headaches: An immediate headache after an auto accident could be an indicator of concussions or traumatic brain injuries. 
• Neck Pain: Pain in the neck could be a sign of whiplash, a minor and common accident injury, or something more severe, such as a spinal injury. 
• Back Pain: If you experience any back pain after a motor vehicle wreck, it can be a sign of a herniated disc, spinal injury, or soft tissue damage. 
• Chest Pain: Trouble breathing or constant chest pain could be an indicator of broken ribs, pneumothorax, or other chest-related injuries. 
• Abdominal Pain: Pain in the abdominal area could be an indication of internal bleeding, which is a life-threatening injury and requires immediate medical attention. 

Check for Signs of Shock 

Depending on the severity and circumstances of your car accident, you may be at risk for shock, which is the body’s natural response to trauma and can be fatal if not identified and addressed. 

Signs of shock that you should look out for after a car accident are:

• Rapid pulse or breathing 
• Pale, cold, or clammy skin 
• Weakness or fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting 

If you suffer from any of the symptoms of shock following a motor vehicle accident, it’s crucial that you call 911 or make your way to the nearest hospital or medical professional. 

Seek a Checkup at a Hospital or Urgent Care

No matter how you feel after a car accident, it’s highly recommended that you visit a local hospital or urgent care for an in-person check-up. 

Receiving a medical evaluation from a professional such as a doctor can provide valuable information on your health, which can help ease any worries you may have after a car accident. 

In addition to providing you with confidence in your health, a doctor can identify potential hidden injuries, such as organ damage or bone fractures, using tools such as an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI. 

Perform a Self-Evaluation for Head Trauma

Head injuries such as traumatic brain injuries are common, but severe car accident injuries could be fatal if not identified within an appropriate time. 

To avoid missing any potential head injuries after a car accident, you must check for the following:

• Persistent headaches
• Problems with concentrating 
• Memory issues 
• Impaired motor function 
• Sensitivity to light or noise 
• Dizziness or balance problems

If you’re experiencing any of the above after a motor vehicle accident, it’s crucial that you seek immediate medical attention. 

Assess for Whiplash

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries sustained in car accidents, especially rear-end collisions. 

This common accident injury occurs when the neck is jolted forward and backward, resulting in the neck muscles and ligaments stretching. 

The symptoms of whiplash may not appear until several hours or days after the accident and include:

• Neck pain and stiffness 
• Limited range of motion in the neck
• Upper back pain 
• Tingling or numbness in the arms 
• Dizziness 

While whiplash is considered to be less severe than other car accident injuries, it’s still essential that you seek medical treatment from a doctor or physical therapist if you experience any of the symptoms. 

Check for Signs of Internal Injuries

Silent and fatal internal injuries are some of the most dangerous types of injuries sustained in car accidents, as internal injuries often show late and subtle symptoms and can be fatal if not properly treated.  

Symptoms of internal injuries that you should look out for following a car wreck are:

• Severe pain in the abdomen 
• Bruising on the skin 
• Dizziness or fainting 
• Blood in the urine 
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing

If you experience any of the symptoms above following a car accident, you should immediately call 911, as disregarding an internal injury could be fatal. 

Identify Emotional and Psychological Trauma

Along with physical injury, you should also be looking out for the emotional and psychological damage the car accident may have caused. 

Common signs of anxiety, depression, PSTD, or other psychological trauma are:

• Flashbacks 
• Difficulty sleeping  
• Increased anxiety 
• Avoidance of driving or places that remind you of the accident

If you believe yourself to have suffered from any emotional trauma following a car accident, contact a mental health professional or a car accident lawyer who can provide you with mental comfort, knowing that the legal complexities of your accident claim are being taken care of by a professional.