Should You Go to the Hospital After a Car Accident?

The short answer is: Yes. You should go to the hospital, or at least an urgent care center,  if you are involved in a car accident. Failure to do so not only might imperil your health but could also jeopardize the success of a personal injury claim. If the accident happened due to the negligence of another party, a car accident attorney at Rhine Law Firm can help you recover compensation for your losses and damages, including medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.  

Our clients’ best interests are at the forefront of everything we do at Rhine Law Firm. You can expect our attorneys to give your case the personal attention it deserves. Call today to schedule a free consultation about your car accident claim.

Minor Injuries May Become More Serious

Some serious injuries have delayed onset or minor symptoms. The rush of adrenaline after a car crash can mask pain. Many accident victims are in a state of shock. By not going to the hospital because you don’t believe you were seriously hurt, you risk further complications.  You also risk failing to document your injuries immediately post-accident – which can make an insurance claims adjuster question whether your injuries are related to the collision.

Common serious conditions with delayed or minor symptoms include:

• Back pain: Soft-tissue injuries, such as muscle strains, ligament sprains, and whiplash, often result in inflammation and stiffness that worsen over time, sometimes limiting mobility and daily function. More severe cases involving vertebral injuries, such as herniated discs, fractures, or spinal cord damage, can take months or even years to heal and may require intensive physical therapy, pain management, or even surgeryto restore function.
• Fractures: Rib fractures, in particular, may initially feel like minor bruising or soreness but can become excruciating with deep breaths, coughing, or movement, sometimes leading to complications like punctured lungs. Similarly, foot fractures may not be immediately painful due to adrenaline and shock. However, as swelling and pressure increase, they can become debilitating, making walking or bearing weight difficult. 
• Concussion: A concussion is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Often, it is the family or friends of a concussion victim who realize something is wrong, as the victim may seem disoriented, exhibit personality or behavioral changes, and even suffer from amnesia regarding the collision. Other symptoms of a concussion include headaches, dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light or noise, blurred vision, and difficulty concentrating.
• Internal bleeding: Internal bleeding can be a silent but life-threatening injury, as symptoms may take several days to appear. Initially, victims may feel fine or only slightly sore, but as bleeding continues, warning signs like fainting, dizziness, abdominal pain, swelling, and deep purple bruising can develop. If left untreated, internal bleeding can lead to organ failure, shock, or even death, making immediate medical evaluation critical.
• Numbness: Experiencing numbness or tingling can be an early warning sign of nerve damage or a herniated disc, even if there is no immediate pain. A herniated or bulging disc occurs when the force of the crash causes a spinal disc to shift, rupture, or press against nearby nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, weakness, or even loss of sensation in the arms, legs, hands, or feet. Similarly, nerve damage from whiplash, spinal trauma, or pinched nerves can interfere with proper nerve signaling, affecting coordination, balance, and muscle function.

Why Going to the Hospital or Urgent Care is Important for a Personal Injury Claim

Insurance companies often seek ways to deny or delay claims. That is their basic business model. If you do not seek medical assistance immediately, insurers may allege that your injuries were unrelated to the car accident or minimize their seriousness. As a result, the insurance company may offer a lowball amount to settle your case. Never accept a settlement offer without advice from legal counsel.

Going to the hospital after a car accident establishes a record of your injuries for insurance purposes and establishes causality. Think of this as evidence in your insurance claim. In addition, by keeping thorough records of all medical expenses relating to the accident, these costs may be included in your damages or compensation. The bottom line is that going to the hospital after a car accident is the best way to ensure the most complete recovery possible.

Contact a North Carolina Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

If you were injured in a car accident due to another party’s negligence or recklessness, you need the services of an experienced personal injury lawyer at Rhine Law Firm. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today. Since we work on a contingency basis, there is no fee unless you receive compensation. 

About Us

Rhine Law Firm, P.C. serves clients throughout North Carolina and nationwide, specializing in complex civil litigation led by Joel Rhine. With expertise in personal injury, car accidents, property damage, sex abuse, and more, the firm is passionate about taking on challenging cases. They emphasize providing personalized legal representation, prioritizing their clients’ best interests while offering state-of-the-art legal strategies. Rhine Law Firm’s dedicated attorneys enjoy the fight for justice and are committed to guiding clients through complicated legal processes. The firm offers free consultations, flexible appointment scheduling, and Spanish language services.