Should I See a Doctor After a Car Accident?
You should always seek medical attention as soon as possible after a car accident, even if your injuries seem minor or you feel like you are not experiencing any pain. In many cases, symptoms of serious injuries – including concussion or back or neck injuries – may not surface until well after the crash. The human body has ways of masking injuries in high-stress situations, so it is essential to get checked out by a doctor so that treatment can begin immediately. Documenting any injuries in the immediate aftermath of an accident will also help strengthen any claims you make to the insurance company for compensation. Without medical records proving the extent of your injuries, the insurance company may be inclined to deny your claim.
Your priority following an accident must be your health and safety. Seek emergency medical help for yourself and any other injured parties. Later, when you are in a fit condition to do so, consider reaching out to an experienced car accident lawyer who can help gather medical records pertinent to your injury and help you step-by-step as you proceed with making an insurance claim. Your lawyer can also advise you whether you are entitled to pursue further damages through a personal injury lawsuit brought against the negligent party that caused the accident.
Let a medical professional assess the full extent of your injury
The sooner you seek medical help after a crash, the better your chances are for a full and quick recovery. If you wait to get treatment, you run the risk of making your condition worse. Remember that a severe injury may not be fully apparent in the accident’s immediate aftermath. When your body releases endorphins, it can prevent you from recognizing how hurt you are. Let a trained medical professional determine whether or not you sustained an injury due to a crash.
Evidence the insurance company can’t deny
You will help your car accident attorney strengthen your case by seeking medical care. You record your attempt to treat your injuries by consulting with your doctor. This can prevent the insurance company from claiming that your injury was pre-existing, that you made your injury worse, or that you are making the entire thing up by seeking medical care.
Discuss your options with Rutter Mills
After you have addressed your medical needs, your next call should be to an experienced car accident lawyer. Call Rutter Mills right away to schedule a free consultation.
“Nothing makes you feel more vulnerable than being hurt or ill. And nobody likes to ask for help. But when you need it most, we’re at our best. We give our clients the confidence and support they need to know they’ll be taken care of – that they’ll get the best outcome possible, even in the face of a very bad situation.”
– Brother Rutter