Many people are reluctant to get a medical checkup after a car crash, which they consider minor. They may dismiss things such as a bump to the head as nothing serious and fully expect they will be fine with a few painkillers and a good night’s sleep. Yet, time may be of the essence when it comes to head injuries.
A blow to the head can be much more serious than a person first thinks. There may be no immediate sign that they will have anything other than a bruise. Yet, there may still be serious damage inside the head that does not yet leave a visible trace.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can develop into something very serious or even fatal very quickly. Yet it might still be hours or days before the first obvious sign of the TBI appears. To the untrained eye at least. That is why getting a check-up is crucial – doctors are trained in what to look for, including the early signs the average person might miss.
An early blood test can predict the seriousness
Doctors have various options at their disposal. One that may be available soon is testing a sample of your blood for two specific protein biomarkers: GFAP and UCH-L1. Recent research found that where these are present in high quantities, the risk of death or severe brain injury is high.
The problem is, this test only works if performed within 24 hours. That would give one more reason why getting a check-up immediately after a vehicle crash is so advisable. A same-day checkup can also help tie any injuries the doctors find to the car crash. The longer you leave it, the more chance the insurer can claim the two things are unrelated.
Once you understand the extent of your injuries you can learn about the legal steps needed to claim any compensation you are due.
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