You should always receive medical attention following an auto accident. Directly after a car accident, your adrenaline is pumping, and it may be hard to think straight. You may not feel pain at the time and assume you are not hurt.
You should see a doctor after a car accident even if you are not hurt. You must get yourself checked out as a precautionary measure. The many injuries you can suffer in a car accident are not immediately obvious, so you should seek medical help as part of the steps you take after a car accident.
Even if you feel you are not hurt, it is wise to see a doctor. If symptoms of injuries begin to present themselves, you will go back for a follow-up appointment. Your state after a car accident is something to take seriously despite feeling like you came out of it unscathed. Follow directions and seek any additional treatment or testing.
It is in your best interest to see a doctor; you may find yourself pursuing justice and compensation down the road for any injuries you suffered through no fault of your own.
Your Car Accident Claim
It is also important for your claim and/or potential lawsuit to visit a doctor so that your physician documents possible injuries from the car accident and eventual treatment. Without proof of the injuries that you suffered from the car accident, an insurance company or the defendant’s attorney may argue that you were dealing with these injuries before the accident.
They will assume you are not hurt from the accident. Insurance companies are known to try to downplay a victim’s situation to avoid giving them the settlement they deserve. The longer you go without seeing a doctor, the harder it will be to establish a link between your injuries and your car accident.
The documents containing information on your medical treatment and potential diagnosis serve as crucial evidence you will need to prove that you endured injuries from the car accident. It is a primary concern to ensure you are safe and in good health, and this secures your right to seek compensation.
You should make the trip to your primary doctor or urgent care within three days of the accident. You want to take all the necessary steps after an auto accident, seeking medical care being one of them, to make certain that you have a strong claim.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Car accident injuries can range from minor to life-threatening. You may want to brush off any injuries you deem small, or you may feel completely unharmed. The following are typical injuries people suffer in car accidents, and the symptoms may not show up for a few days, weeks, or months.
- Whiplash, which can lead to severe (and chronic) neck pain and limited range of motion, according to Mayo Clinic
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI), which Mayo Clinic states can later cause seizures, infections, and blood vessel damage
- Internal bleeding
- Concussion
- Broken bones
- Nerve damage
- Brain bleeds
- Soft tissue injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
This is a non-exhaustive list of injuries you can suffer in a motor vehicle accident that can cause long-lasting complications or death if not treated immediately after the accident. It is easy to shrug off a headache and other minor pains after an accident, as they can be expected, but you never know when it is something serious.
A Car Accident Lawyer from Ben Crump Law, PLLC, Can Be Your Legal Advocate
Hiring a car accident lawyer in the wake of your accident can benefit your case. They can identify the liable party, gather evidence, and handle all communication with insurance companies and the defendant’s team. We will fight to protect your rights and work toward the best possible outcome for you.
You should see a doctor after a car accident, even if you are not hurt and feel fine. Do not delay in seeing a medical professional after a car accident; your health is a priority.
Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC, today to discuss your case with a member of our team at (844) 730-0233.
