If you have been in a car accident, you might hesitate to seek immediate medical attention. Perhaps you think your injuries are too minor to bother going to the doctor, or you do not believe you were hurt at all.
Car accidents are unplanned, and maybe work, or other responsibilities may seem more important. You want your life to return to normal. However, this is a mistake. For the sake of your health and your potential personal injury claim, you should always see a doctor as soon as possible after a car crash.
At Angel Reyes & Associates, we are here for you when you need a lawyer to get you the settlement you need to rebuild your life.
The adrenaline rush after a car accident
Due to the shock of the car accident, adrenaline rushes through the body. This powerful hormone can temporarily mask severe pain. Yet, once the adrenaline rush subsides, the reaction sets in. That is when you may realize that you have suffered a fracture, a soft tissue injury, or worse.
For some people, the adrenaline rush is over in a few hours. Others may head home and go to bed, thinking they may be a bit sore in the morning– only to feel much worse than they expected.
A Medical Examination
Head to the emergency room or an urgent care center immediately. You can contact your doctor, but many general practitioners do not want to deal with car accident cases.
Treatment for your injuries after a car accident is vital. A thorough medical exam not only detects injuries but, in some cases, can be lifesaving. Conditions that may have responded to swift treatment can worsen when ignored. The treatment is often more involved and more expensive.
In addition, the examination becomes part of your medical record, which is crucial when pursuing a car accident lawsuit. The doctor or emergency room visit is vital evidence in your case. The record may include the results of X-rays or MRIs and the physician’s notes.
If badly hurt, such as when suffering a spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury, accident victims should leave the accident scene via ambulance.
Follow Doctor’s Orders
Listen to what the doctor tells you and follow orders. If you are advised not to go to work for several days or go to physical therapy, do as you are told. Not following the doctor’s orders will harm your case. Attend every follow-up visit. Visit our guide if you’ve lost your job because of a car accident.
Keep a pain journal while recuperating. Note the time of day when you feel worse or what tasks seem to aggravate the injury. This is additional evidence for your claim. If you are dealing with emotional or mental trauma related to the accident, write down the information with as much specificity as possible.
Insurance Denial
It is critical to understand that insurance companies want to settle claims for as little as possible or deny them entirely. When you delay receiving medical treatment, the insurance company may allege that your injuries were either not a result of the accident or that they are not serious. Failure to visit the doctor promptly will harm your claim and your ability to receive damages. The latter include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The Three-Day Delay
Sooner is always better, but to have a completely solid claim, you should see a medical professional within three days. As noted, some injuries may not appear for 24 to 48 hours after the collision. These may include whiplash, concussion, or internal injuries.
Once that three-day window has passed, expect more significant pushback from the insurance company. Some back and neck injuries may take time to develop, with symptoms appearing weeks after the collision. If you have a record of seeking medical care within a reasonable amount of time, you might still pursue a claim against the at-fault driver. If you did not go to the doctor, connecting the injuries with the accident becomes difficult, if not impossible.
Have You Been Injured in a Car Wreck?
If you or someone you know was seriously injured in a car wreck, call our Dallas car accident lawyers right now and schedule a free consultation. If you did not seek medical attention in a timely fashion, we could advise you about possible options.
We can help you get started on your car accident claim so that you can receive the compensation you deserve. Our experienced attorneys know how to negotiate with insurance companies for the benefit of our clients. Call or text us now.
