Don't Think You Were Hurt After a Minor Car Accident?
After a minor collision, you may be tempted to 'tough it out' with what may seem like minor injuries at the time.
Even if you feel you don't require medical attention, you should always seek medical attention after any car accident.
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While you can sue the at-fault party after a car accident even if you were not hurt, a property damage claim without injury is a simple matter with the insurance company.
If after a medical professional assesses your condition and deems you unhurt with no hidden symptoms, you may not need a lawyer.
However, even minor accidents have the potential to develop into a personal injury claim with significant financial losses unexpected by the victim at the time of the collision.
The shock caused by even a minor collision may be masking injuries with delayed symptoms, which may develop in the days and weeks to follow.
Hidden injuries may exist, which makes suing for compensation a viable option to recover medical expenses and other damages from the liable party.
Injured individuals with masked symptoms may mistakenly believe they have no grounds for a lawsuit if they don't seek treatment.
For this reason, even after a minor collision resulting in only scrapes and bruises at first glance, it's worth reviewing what happened with a car accident attorney.
If your crash is strong enough to bend metal, it can cause more bodily injury than you might think.
The immediate shock can mask a host of serious injuries with delayed symptoms. Some can even prove deadly.

Examples of Car Accident Injuries With Delayed Symptoms
The following are potential injuries that can worsen after an accident with time and that can result in significant financial losses for medical treatment.
- Whiplash: Soft tissue damage to the neck can lead to pain and muscle stiffness as swelling sets in. Left untreated, it can lead to chronic pain and limited range of motion.
- Concussion: Persistent headaches, confusion, nausea, and dizziness can be symptoms of a concussion. Brain swelling poses risks for further complications. It may be an indication of a brain bleed, known as an intracranial hematoma, which can be deadly.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Ligament tears, soft-tissue damage, and subsequent swelling can result in intense pain and the potential for long-term disability.
- Spinal Injuries: Delayed back pain may be an indication of a spinal injury, which, if left untreated, can lead to severe, permanent damage and life-altering injury.
- Internal Bleeding: A life-threatening condition which can lead to several harmful complications if left undiagnosed after an accident.
- Herniated Discs: A serious back injury that can be masked, at least initially, by the adrenaline and shock of a collision. Left untreated, it can result in nerve damage and chronic back or life-long disability.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): The effects of TBI can be delayed and may cause severe cognitive issues. Persistent headaches after a collision may indicate the presence of a brain bleed or permanent brain damage.
Post-Concussive Syndrome
If you experience persistent headaches and vomiting, for weeks after a crash, it may be an indication of post-concussive syndrome. Most concussion sufferers feel better within a few weeks as a natural result of the normal healing process. In head injury cases resulting in post-concussive syndrome, the symptoms can last for weeks and potentially get worse.
Pain & Stiffness
You may feel fine after a crash, only for pain and stiffness to set in as the days pass. This can result in mobility loss and excruciating pain that wasn't present at the scene of the accident. It's common for soft tissue injuries to be masked by the adrenaline and shock of an accident. As the adrenaline leaves your system and the swelling sets in, the full nature of your injuries will present. Victims can often be surprised by the painful extent of the injuries sustained.
Can I sue for a car accident if I didn't suffer any physical injuries?
Even if you sustain no physical injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for non-medical damages, such as emotional distress. Without injuries it may not be the type of car accident most lawyers handle. However, a personal injury lawyer can provide guidance on what legal path to compensation may be available and the best course of action.
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