During a frightening or traumatic experience, like an automobile accident, adrenaline spikes. It helps us to kick into “survival mode,” blocking pain, so we can address the events happening around us in real-time. After a car accident, adrenaline may mask pain for hours or even days, causing delayed medical treatment. This delayed response to an injury may have detrimental effects, especially in the case of brain trauma and internal injuries. This is why it's highly recommended that you see a doctor after a car accident, even if you feel fine in the moment. Getting checked out may save your life and help any subsequent legal matters down the road.
Similarly, continuing to see a doctor after a car accident may be necessary, depending on your injury. In this article, we'll address why regular doctor visits may benefit you in your physical and financial recoveries.
Get Medical Attention Directly After a Car Accident
Most auto accident lawyers will advise you to go to the doctor after an accident, even if you feel fine. Seeing a medical professional directly following an auto accident is a good idea for a few reasons. It could save your life or help you avoid life-changing complications from an untreated injury. Immediate medical attention will help you identify any serious internal trauma that can be present even if you don't feel it at the moment. Additionally, going to a doctor after an accident, documents any injury that the accident may have caused. This will go a long way in providing the insurance company with the documentation they need during the claims process and settlement conversations. By refusing to see a doctor, you may be risking a lot. Some such risks include:
- Further injury due to complications - Without treatment, some injuries will get a lot worse within just a few hours. Head injuries can result in hematoma or hemorrhage, leading to serious complications and sometimes death.
- Insurance claim denials - If the insurance company concludes that you were not injured as a result of your decision not to see a doctor, they may deny your claim. Similarly, any delayed treatment may also cause denied claims.
- No evidence to support your claim - It can be difficult to prove an insurance claim if there is no medical documentation to support it. Claiming you have a back injury with no MRI, X-rays, etc to back it up typically results in claim denial. Further, this medical evidence is used in determining how much compensation you'll need to recover from your injuries.
- A low insurance settlement - The insurance company will usually do everything possible to minimize your settlement amount. Neglecting or delaying medical attention after an accident gives them an additional excuse to minimize the amount.
Types of Auto-Accident Injuries
Auto accident trauma can sneak up on you. One minute you feel fine, then, suddenly, you're worried and feeling a lot of pain. Some injuries can be so severe that they cause short-term disabilities, long-term disabilities, or even death. Common car accident injuries that have the potential to be very severe include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal Cord Injuries/Paralysis
- Back Injuries
- Neck Injuries and Whiplash
- Burns
- Internal Injuries
- Broken Bones and Fractures
- Lacerations and Bruising
- Soft-Tissue Injuries
If you suffered from any of the above, consult with an auto accident lawyer today. You may be eligible to receive legal compensation to help you recover from the physical, psychological, and financial strain a car accident can cause.
When to Consistently See a Doctor
Often, consistently seeing a doctor for your car accident injury is advised. If you've sustained an injury that needs consistent treatment and rehabilitation, it's best to make appointments and go to them. This will provide you with medical documentation that will be needed to prove the extent of your injury, as well as determine the amount of compensation you'll need to become “whole” again financially. It will also help you avoid complications from the injury. If you've sustained only minor injuries, you should still go to a few follow-up appointments until you are healed. Don't “walk it off.” If you are injured, get the medical attention you need, despite the time and money it takes to do so. Having that documentation from the day of your accident to the day of your last doctor appointment will help you get the compensation you need and deserve.
An auto accident lawyer will help you communicate and negotiate with the insurance company throughout your recovery process, as well as calculate the value of your car accident case, so you get an appropriate settlement amount. For a free initial consultation with Impact Legal, call or text us at 602-345-1818. You can also fill out our online form, and we'll reach back out to you to schedule an appointment.