When you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident, particularly when it seems obvious that the injuries are not catastrophic or life-threatening, there can be a tendency to downplay the consequences. Experts say that some of that is psychological—you are thankful that you weren’t seriously injured, and your brain looks for ways to minimize the injuries you suffered. But it’s important to seek medical care as soon as possible after an automobile wreck, even if it was a minor fender bender. Here are some of the reasons why.