Bruising After a Car Accident: What’s Normal and When To See A Doctor

Car crashes can leave behind a variety of different injuries. One of the most common things people can experience is bruising.

A bruise is not usually a cause for alarm, as most people get them in their daily lives. Most of the time, they don’t bother people at all, and may even go unnoticed. However, should you be more concerned if you notice bruising after a car crash?

Normal Bruising

A bruise happens when blood vessels beneath the skin crush and break open, causing some leakage right below the surface, generally appearing dark red or purple. Some bruises can even feel a bit tender to the touch, while others can be completely harmless.

A typical bruise will often completely fade away in about two weeks, without needing treatment at all. However, more severe bruises can take months to fade, and in some cases, they could be signs of bigger health issues, such as internal bleeding.

When a Bruise May Be a Sign of Something More Serious

People may experience some bruising after even minor car collisions. However, how can you tell if your bruises are harmless, or indicative of something worse going on?

If the bruised area remains swollen, or the bruise doesn’t begin to fade in a few days, these may be signs that the accident has had a bigger effect than anticipated. You should see a doctor right away for a check-up.

In general, you should see a doctor after a car accident regardless of the severity of the collision. For one thing, people often don’t feel the full repercussions of the accident immediately after it occurs, and some injuries (even bruises) may only appear the next day, or later.

This will prove essential when filing a car injury claim with the at-fault driver or even your own insurance company. If, for instance, the bruising turns out to be more serious, and you require additional medical treatment, you may have some problems getting the insurance company to cover the costs. They may argue that your condition getting worse is at least partially your fault for not seeing a doctor right after the accident, in which case they will argue that they should not have to cover the medical costs of your negligence.

Speak With an Experienced St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer 24/7

If you’ve been involved in a car crash and are experiencing some bruising, it’s very important to see a doctor right away, especially if the areas are swollen and tender. Then, speak with an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney for additional legal advice on filing a car accident claim. An experienced lawyer can work hard to get you properly compensated for all the pain and suffering the car accident has caused you and your family.