For those who have been in an accident, you remember how difficult it was to figure out what to do next. Many car accident victims report memory blanks, flashbacks and a distortion of the event after the crash. Your brain was basically working on surviving rather than on making memories. So the last thing you’d think about is going to the doctor. But it’s imperative you do so that all injuries can be properly documented with the assistance of a car accident attorney. It’s not only good for your health but also very beneficial for your insurance claim and any future legal ramifications stemming from it.
That’s one of the worst mistakes someone can make in a personal injury claim. It’s natural to refuse on-scene medical treatment because perhaps you feel embarrassed. So drivers tend to walk away because they don’t feel any pain or they may not think they are injured. No matter what your reasons are or circumstances surrounding your accident, refusing medical treatment can only complicate things further.
After an accident, many injured victims will leave the scene not feeling pain due to the adrenaline rush. Unfortunately, these are the people that will start complaining about back pain, headaches, abdominal pain, and pain in the neck and shoulders during the days following the crash. These are symptoms that may not manifest immediately after the accident. For example, severe injuries such as hemorrhages and hematomas are often not felt yet they can turn fatal when not treated promptly.
Insurance companies will place time limits on the medical care provided at the time of an accident. There are times when drivers wait more than 72 hours after the crash to see a doctor only to find out their coverage was denied. Many insurance companies take this approach so they can claim that your injury is not linked to the accident or it happened before the crash.
When you go to the emergency room after a car accident, you will be most likely put under several tests. These tests are very vital to your personal injury claim because they show your condition after the accident. The results from these tests will help prove the amount of compensation you will need to recover from the injuries suffered in the crash. Not receiving these tests, can diminish the value of your claim.
Remember insurance companies are not your friend. They will try hard to reduce your compensation amount. However, when you receive medical treatment right after the accident, they are forced to cooperate. Good evidence and an experienced car accident attorney by your side can take you to places. They may still try to minimize your payout, but their chances are much less. Not receiving prompt medical treatment will put you at a disadvantage. While is understandable you can’t think clearly after getting involved in a car accident; you must remain calm at all times and see a doctor even after a minor crash.
Once the accident and injuries sustained have been adequately documented, you will be able to move forward with your personal injury claim. It’s the best way to prove that the accident had primarily caused these injuries. Based on the injury category, you may see a variety of medical professionals. You must keep the records of every doctor you’ve seen, whether that includes a doctor who specializes in accident care or a therapist for emotional trauma. Record relevant information such as:
So now that you’ve learned about the pros and cons of seeing a doctor after an automobile accident, we want to hear from you. Our personal injury attorneys have vast experience handling these types of cases and will lead you in the right direction. We can help you secure compensation after an accident when you contact us today.