After a crash, it’s common to ask yourself: Should you go to the hospital after a car accident? If you’re not bleeding, if nothing feels broken, maybe you think you’re okay. However, many serious injuries don’t show up right away after a crash. That’s why knowing the signs you should go to the hospital after a car accident is so important.
You might also wonder, How long do you have to go to the hospital after a car accident? Legally and medically, the answer is simple: the sooner, the better. Waiting to seek medical attention can worsen your health. It can also jeopardize your ability to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
At Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C., we’ve seen too many clients suffer long-term consequences because they didn’t realize the seriousness of their symptoms until it was too late. Our legal team has decades of experience helping injury victims across New Jersey. We work directly with every client and partner with respected medical experts to help make sure your injuries are fully understood and documented.
Read on to learn when and why you should go to the hospital after a car accident.
Why Should You Go to the Hospital After a Car Accident?
Even if you walk away from a car crash feeling “okay,” your body might tell a different story. Some injuries can take hours or even days to surface.
Here’s why immediate medical care matters:
- Delayed-onset injuries are common. Whiplash, concussions, or internal bleeding may not produce symptoms until hours or days later.
- Seeing a doctor shows that you took the incident seriously. Prompt medical attention creates a clear record of your injuries and helps avoid gaps in treatment that insurers might use against you.
- Insurance companies may try to deny your claim. If you wait too long to seek care, they might argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident.
- Early diagnosis leads to better outcomes. The sooner a medical provider identifies your injuries, the sooner you can start appropriate treatment and prevent complications.
Failing to seek immediate care can jeopardize your physical recovery and harm your ability to file a successful injury claim. Insurance companies are quick to question the cause of your injuries if there’s a delay in treatment. By going to the hospital promptly, you’re not only taking care of your health, you’re also taking the first step in protecting your legal rights.
When to Go to the Hospital After a Car Accident: Physical Symptoms to Look For
Even if your accident seems minor, physical injuries can be more serious than they appear. Some symptoms develop slowly or are masked by adrenaline. Ignoring them could delay treatment and complicate your recovery. If you notice any of the following symptoms after a car accident, it’s time to head to the hospital.
Neck Pain
Neck pain is a common symptom of whiplash, one of the most frequently reported injuries after a rear-end collision. It may start as stiffness or soreness and gradually worsen over time. Without proper medical attention, whiplash can lead to chronic pain and reduced mobility. It could also signal damage to your spinal cord or discs.
Headaches
Post-accident headaches might seem minor at first, but they could indicate a more serious issue such as a concussion, brain injury, or even a blood clot. Delayed headaches are especially concerning and should never be ignored. Early imaging tests can detect internal damage before it becomes life-threatening.
Dizziness
If you feel lightheaded or have trouble with balance after a crash, you could be suffering from a concussion, inner ear damage, or reduced blood flow to the brain. Dizziness may also be a sign of shock or internal bleeding. Immediate evaluation is critical to prevent complications.
Chest Pain
Chest pain could stem from the force of a seatbelt or airbag impact, but it might also indicate fractured ribs, bruised lungs, or heart trauma. If breathing becomes painful or labored, seek emergency care.
Difficulty Breathing
Shortness of breath is a red flag that could point to internal injuries, collapsed lungs, or fluid buildup. Even if you attribute it to stress or panic, you should not delay medical care. Lab tests and imaging can determine the source of the issue and ensure you receive proper treatment.
Abdominal Pain or Swelling
Internal bleeding is a hidden but potentially fatal injury. Pain, bruising, or swelling in your abdomen may develop hours after the accident. These symptoms could indicate organ damage or internal hemorrhaging, both of which require urgent intervention.
Visible Wounds or Bleeding
Lacerations, puncture wounds, and heavy bleeding may seem like obvious reasons to go to the hospital, but even minor-looking wounds can lead to infection or nerve damage. Deep cuts may require stitches, tetanus shots, or antibiotics, and severe bleeding needs to be controlled quickly.
When to Go to the Hospital After a Car Accident: Psychological Symptoms to Look For
Car accidents don’t just cause physical trauma. They can affect your mental and emotional health. Some psychological symptoms appear immediately, while others take days or weeks to develop. Unfortunately, these invisible injuries are often overlooked. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, going to the hospital is a critical first step toward getting the help you need.
Anxiety
It’s common to feel shaken after an accident, but persistent anxiety, especially when driving or riding in a car, can signal something more serious. You may notice rapid breathing, racing thoughts, or constant unease. These symptoms can interfere with your ability to work, sleep, or perform daily tasks.
Panic Attacks
If you experience episodes of intense fear, shortness of breath, or chest pain, you may be having panic attacks. These are real medical events that deserve immediate attention.
Trouble Sleeping
Insomnia, nightmares, or disrupted sleep patterns are common after traumatic events like car accidents. Poor sleep affects your recovery and can worsen emotional and physical symptoms. If you lie awake at night or feel exhausted during the day, it’s time to seek medical help.
Confusion
Confusion, difficulty concentrating, or feeling “foggy” can be signs of a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI). These symptoms may also stem from shock or emotional distress.
Loss of Consciousness
If you blacked out during or after the accident—even for a few seconds—it’s a strong indication that you need to be checked for a head injury. Losing consciousness can mean you’ve suffered a concussion or more severe brain trauma that requires prompt diagnosis.
Mood Swings
Sudden changes in mood, such as irritability, anger, or crying spells, may signal emotional distress or neurological changes. These swings aren’t just “stress” or “having a bad day.” They may be symptoms of deeper trauma that warrant professional care.
Depression
Feelings of hopelessness, numbness, or disinterest in things you once enjoyed are not uncommon after an accident. If these feelings persist, you may be dealing with post-accident depression. Untreated depression can interfere with your physical recovery and overall quality of life, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
How Long Do You Have to Go to the Hospital After a Car Accident?
Put simply: It’s best to go as soon as possible.
There’s no specific time limit for going to the hospital after a car accident, but the earlier, the better. Waiting too long can hurt both your health and your legal claim.
From a legal standpoint, seeking immediate care can help document the cause and timing of your injuries. Under New Jersey law, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years. If you don’t get medical treatment and later try to file a claim, insurers may argue your injuries weren’t related to the crash.
Your medical records serve as critical evidence. Without them, it becomes much harder to prove your injuries were serious or connected to the accident.
What to Expect When Going to the Hospital After a Car Accident
When going to the hospital after a car accident, here’s what usually happens:
- Triage and intake. Medical professionals will ask about your symptoms and the details of the crash.
- Diagnostic testing. These tests may include X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, or blood work to check for fractures, internal bleeding, or head injuries.
- Monitoring. You may be observed for a few hours, depending on your condition.
- Discharge and referrals. If your injuries are not life-threatening, you’ll likely be discharged with instructions and possibly referred to specialists. If they are serious, you will need to remain in the hospital.
Don’t forget. Follow-up care is essential. Even if you’re sent home, follow your doctor’s advice, attend any follow-up appointments, and keep records of all treatments and symptoms.
Speak to a Seasoned New Jersey Car Accident Attorney Today
Whether your crash seemed minor or major, knowing the signs you should go to the hospital after a car accident can help safeguard your health and legal rights. Even if you feel fine, seeking medical attention immediately helps catch hidden injuries and provide documentation for future claims.
At Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C., we help accident victims across New Jersey get the legal support they need after a crash. If you’re wondering when to go to the hospital after a car accident, or you’re now dealing with insurance adjusters and medical bills, we’re here to guide you.
Contact us today for a free consultation with a New Jersey car accident lawyer. Let us help you recover the compensation you deserve while focusing on healing.
David Pierguidi and Jared Glugeth understand how hard it may be for you and your family following an accident resulting from someone’s negligent actions. Get the medical treatment you need right away and then call our law firm at any time of day for answers to your questions.
Loading...