Report of No Injuries in Knoxville “Chain Reaction” Accident Prompts Knoxville Drivers to Wonder: Should I See a Doctor After a Serious Accident Occurs, Even if I Think I’m Not Injured?
A recent “chain reaction” car crash on I-40 near West Hills in Knoxville has some drivers and their families wondering what they should do if they are involved in a serious car accident, but they do not suspect that they are injured. According to local news reports, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) reported that multiple vehicles were involved in a “chain reaction” accident that occurred on the evening of Wednesday, September 16. Something interesting (and fortunate) about this particular car accident is that despite the crash causing road closures and traffic backups, no injuries were reported in the official dispatch. This may cause Knoxville drivers to ask themselves a common question: If I feel fine right after a serious accident, do I still need to see a doctor? The short answer is yes. Here we explain why, and where you can find a lawyer to help you in Knoxville.
Masked Injuries After a Serious Car Accident in Knoxville
After a car wreck happens, especially a violent or chain reaction crash, a crash victim’s body may not immediately show signs of damage. Adrenaline floods a person’s system in a serious car collision, potentially masking pain. In addition, Knoxville car accident victims may feel shaken, sore, or stiff later on, or symptoms may slowly show up: headaches, neck or back pain, numbness, or internal injuries that are not obvious without medical tests. Some injuries, such as soft tissue damage (like whiplash), concussions, or internal bleeding, may take time to manifest. By then, diagnosis might be harder, treatment more complicated, and recovery longer.
The Benefits of Seeing a Doctor After a Serious Car Accident
Being treated by a doctor promptly after a serious car accident accomplishes more than catching hidden injuries early. If you hope to make an insurance claim or file a lawsuit later, your medical records are vital. When you see a doctor right away, they document your condition when it is fresh, note observations, request X-rays or scans if needed, and create a formal record linking your injuries (or even potential ones) to the crash. If you wait, insurance companies may argue your pain or symptoms came from something else. The bottom line is: even in cases where you believe there is no injury, getting checked out is wise. At the very least, it is a good idea to tell your doctor everything about the crash, where you felt pain or discomfort, and whether anything feels “off.” You may need follow-up medical care once symptoms appear. Save all medical receipts, reports, test results, prescriptions, etc., as these documents become part of the evidence if you need to claim for damages, lost wages, or any treatment.
Finding Legal Help in Knoxville After a Serious Car Accident
Knoxville car accident victims have a limited time to file a claim for compensation under Tennessee personal injury laws, and should seek legal help right away. If you are in the Knoxville area and you need legal help with your Knoxville car accident case, do not hesitate to speak to the experienced Knoxville car accident lawyers at the law firm Fox Farley Willis & Burnette PLLC. Contact Fox Farley Willis & Burnette PLLC today and speak with a lawyer about your case now.
Source:
wbir.com/article/traffic/tdot-eastbound-lanes-i-40-knoxville-shut-down-jackknifed-tractor-trailer-crash/51-af415943-ae70-455a-a461-3c44270ef8d1