After a car accident, many people ignore their pain and rush to take care of things like exchanging information, taking pictures, and talking to the insurance companies. Adrenaline is a powerful pain killer, and the panic that someone deals with following a crash can lead them to make irrational decisions that may even make their injuries worse.
Additionally, people immediately panic about the impact on their income if they were to admit that they had an injury that was causing them pain or discomfort. Insurance companies love to take advantage of this fear because it means they may be able to pay much less than the accident victim deserves.
But after a car accident, you should consider seeing an injury doctor even if you do not feel pain or think your injuries are minor. Doing so may help ensure that all of your injuries are properly diagnosed and treated in a timely manner.
After a Crash, Your Health Is Your #1 Priority
It is important not to ignore the pain or discomfort that you experience after a car accident. If you’ve never experienced an injury before, it can be hard to know when and where to seek help. Some injuries require immediate medical attention, while others may not be apparent for the first day or two.
Whatever your situation is, it is important to seek medical help as soon as possible — and calling 911 after the crash is a great start because EMTs will be on-scene to check your vitals and give you a preliminary check. However, EMTs do not have the resources to provide you with a comprehensive exam, although they may suggest that you take an ambulance to the emergency room if the situation is bad enough.
Suppose you do not feel comfortable going to the hospital right away. In that case, it is a good idea to schedule an appointment with your primary care physician immediately or visit a walk-in clinic. Doctors will be able to diagnose any underlying issues or problems that may have been overlooked in the initial assessment. This way, you can get a full diagnosis and find out if any underlying injuries might have been missed in the initial assessment that the EMTs performed.
The Benefits of Visiting a Doctor
First and foremost, visiting a doctor to have your car accident injuries examined is important because it is the best way to protect your health and identify any issues that you will need medical support to make a recovery from. What initially feels like minor muscle tension in the back might actually be a fractured vertebra, or a stomach cramp may turn out to be serious internal bleeding. Without seeing a doctor in a timely manner, avoidable complications may arise.
Additionally, visiting a doctor is important because it provides solid documentation to support any injury claims you may make following an accident. Seeing an injury doctor soon after the crash will ensure that your injuries are properly documented and can help strengthen your case if you decide to pursue legal or financial compensation for damages incurred in the crash.
How Avoiding the Doctor Can Impact Your Insurance Claim
Insurance companies use the claims process to identify every possible way to limit the amount of money they ultimately pay to a claimant. Many people enter the claims process with the impression that the adjuster handling the matter is working to ensure that the victim is adequately compensated, but this is rarely the case. They will use any leverage they can find to settle your case as quickly and inexpensively as possible, whether or not you end up suffering the consequences.
If you do not seek medical attention, the insurance company may use this against you and suggest that your injuries were not serious enough to require professional help. They will use this as justification to offer a settlement much lower than it would be if you had visited a doctor on time. Even something as simple as a statement on the police report where a victim said they were uninjured — even if concrete evidence to the contrary emerged shortly after — will be used to dispute the claim. 1-800-Injured is an attorney and medical referral service that makes it easy for car accident victims to find proven legal support in their area.
The bottom line is that if you experience any pain or discomfort following an accident, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible for the health of your body and the success of your insurance claim. It is crucial to have a record of all related medical care immediately after an incident to ensure that your health is taken care of and your claim is handled adequately.
When In Doubt, Call A Doctor
There is no prize for suffering in silent dignity after a car accident — especially one that someone else caused. If you’ve been in a crash and are feeling any discomfort, do not hesitate to seek professional medical help. Whether through an emergency room visit or by scheduling an appointment with your primary care physician, getting evaluated and taking good care of your health should be your first priority right after a car accident.
Suppose you speak with a car accident attorney and determine that legal action is warranted to receive the compensation you deserve. In that case, a medical report from a qualified doctor will attest that your injuries were a result of the crash and are legitimate. This is only one part of the overall case your attorney will build on your behalf. Still, medical documentation is central to the fact that you have suffered due to someone else’s negligent or reckless behavior. Without proof of your injuries, you and your lawyer will have more obstacles to overcome in an already complicated process.
The right medical care can be instrumental in helping you recover both physically and financially following a car accident. Don’t delay seeing a doctor, and ensure you have the right documentation to back up your claim.
While you are working on getting medical care, another important step is to connect with an experienced personal injury attorney. Once you are partnered with a lawyer, they can help you answer questions such as whether or not to see a doctor, how to gather documentation about the crash, and more. While they guide you through these confusing steps, you can stay focused on your recovery without the added stress. Contact 1-800-Injured today to find a lawyer in your area who is ready to help.