COVID-19’s steady spread across the United States has impacted another industry: police departments. The Austin Police Department in Texas has, like many other authorities, decided to scale down its resources, partly to avoid person-to-person contact. The department has announced that officers will no longer be sent to what they call “lower priority calls” – if your accident or situation falls under this category, you can make a report over the phone or online.
Officers will continue to respond to serious calls where “life and property are at immediate risk,” authorities maintain, and they ask for individuals to use their better judgment to determine whether they need the presence of an officer in their unique situation.
These new guidelines mean that police officers will no longer respond to the scene of a car accident that results in no injuries or less serious injuries. However, even if you haven’t been injured immediately after an accident, it’s still important to keep an eye on any symptoms you may develop in the hours and days after your accident, as minor symptoms can be hinting at underlying issues that can become more serious.
Delayed Symptoms to Be Aware Of
Though you may believe your minor symptoms aren’t a big deal and will go away eventually, they can sometimes escalate into a more serious injury that, left untreated, can lead you to accrue medical bills when you end up needing additional medical support, like surgeries, hospital stays, and prescription medications.
Delayed symptoms that can develop after a car accident and may indicate a larger issue include:
- Headaches: If you have persistent and/or intense headaches after your accident that won’t go away, you may have a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI). Headaches may also be a sign of a blood clot or bleeding in your brain that can result in a stroke if you don’t seek medical attention.
- Neck or shoulder stiffness: While whiplash after an accident is considered soft tissue damage, if left untreated, it can quickly turn into chronic pain that may prevent you from working. If you experience neck or shoulder stiffness, it’s recommended that you consult your physician, who may order an X-ray to investigate your injury more thoroughly.
- Abdominal pain: If you’re experiencing pain in your abdomen, this can be an alarming sign of internal bleeding, which irritates your tissue and places more pressure on your organs. You may also be suffering from internal bleeding if you’re experiencing nausea or shortness of breath and should seek medical attention immediately, as internal bleeding can result in organ failure.
- Back pain: This pain may be a sign of muscle or ligament damage, which must be addressed immediately. While you may assume the pain will go away, the longer you wait to seek attention, the more serious and chronic the back injury can become.
Looking Out for You & Your Family Since 1976
With more than 40 years of legal service and compassionate support given to our injured clients, the personal injury attorneys at the Law Office of James M. Stanley know how to protect your rights and help you heal with the compensation you deserve after an accident. Our team is dedicated to putting our clients’ needs first, which is why we’re always available to answer questions, and we’ll come to you at your hospital or home to discuss your case if you’re still physically recovering. If you’ve been harmed due to negligence, you deserve justice – we’re not afraid to hold insurance companies and at-fault parties responsible. We also work on a contingency fee basis, which means that we don’t win until you do. Our team knows you’re already struggling financially, and you don’t need an additional burden to worry about.
Our personal injury lawyers are recognized throughout our community and amongst our peers for our dedication to our clients. If you’ve been injured in an accident, don’t hesitate to call the Law Office of James M. Stanley at (817) 591-4222, or contact us online. We’re available 24/7 for our clients in need.