Being involved in a car accident can be an overwhelming experience, but knowing the right steps to take after the crash can be crucial to your health and protecting your right to pursue a car accident claim. If you’ve been injured in a crash, an experienced car accident attorney can navigate you through the legal process to make sure you receive the financial compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence and are wondering about the value of your case, don’t hesitate to reach out. At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we can evaluate your case and determine your best legal options for recovering damages. Call us today at 833-997-1774 for a free consultation.
Why Is It Important to See a Doctor After a Crash?
The first step — and the most critical — after an accident is seeking medical attention, even if the accident was minor.
One of the first things that the insurance adjuster will look for is where you went for medical treatment. The adjuster will also look for any gaps in treatment. For example, if an individual is claiming a car accident injury but hasn’t sought medical treatment for two months, the adjuster will use that information to minimize the company’s exposure and financial liability. Our injury lawyers have worked on many cases where the insurance has tried to get out of paying our clients the compensation they were entitled to by questioning the extent of their injuries or even accusing them of faking their injuries.
Other important reasons why you should see a medical professional include:
Potential of Delayed Symptoms or Hidden Injuries
It is not uncommon for a car accident victim not to realize they have been injured. Many injuries sustained during a crash may not manifest symptoms right away. Conditions such as concussions, whiplash, and internal injuries can take hours, days, or even weeks to become apparent.
Whiplash, a common injury in rear-end collisions that occurs when the neck is suddenly jerked forward and back, is one of those injuries. While initial symptoms might be mild, such as slight stiffness or discomfort, they can escalate into severe pain, headaches, or even chronic issues if left untreated. Concussions are also another car accident injury that can occur without any immediate signs, but the long-term effects can be serious if not diagnosed early.
A medical professional can conduct thorough examinations and utilize imaging tests to identify these hidden injuries. Early detection is crucial because it allows for timely intervention, significantly improving recovery outcomes and reducing the risk of complications.
Medical Documentation for Your Case
As mentioned above, another critical reason to see a doctor post-accident is the necessity of medical documentation for insurance claims and legal actions. This formal record of your injuries and treatments will be critical evidence for your car accident lawyer to prove the extent of your injuries and the impact they have on your life.
Your medical records will provide a clear account of the injuries sustained, the necessary treatments, and any ongoing medical needs. This documentation can substantiate your claims for medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering in your car accident claim. If disputes arise regarding the nature or severity of your injuries, having an official medical record can strengthen your position.
Prevention of Possible Long-Term Complications
Timely medical intervention can prevent long-term complications that may arise from untreated injuries. Injuries that go unnoticed or untreated can lead to chronic pain, mobility issues, or permanent disability. For instance, a minor fracture may seem inconsequential at first, but if not treated properly, it can heal incorrectly, resulting in long-term pain or limitations in mobility.
Internal injuries, such as bleeding or organ damage, can also pose significant risks. If left untreated, these conditions can become life-threatening. Seeking immediate medical attention ensures that injuries are managed correctly from the beginning, promoting a quicker recovery and reducing the likelihood of enduring health issues.
Emotional and Psychological Impact
Car accidents can also have profound emotional and psychological effects. Victims may experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the aftermath of a crash. The trauma of the event can linger, affecting daily life, relationships, and overall mental health.
There is also the emotional impact of the pain from the injuries and any physical limitations that the victim now has. These factors can affect an individual’s quality of life and mental well-being, and the victim may be entitled to compensation in their car accident claim.
How Can Our Personal Injury Firm Help?
At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we have decades of experience handling personal injury claims. We understand how to navigate the legal process and work with you to maximize the value of your car accident case.
If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident through no fault of your own and want to talk about your options, feel free to give us a call at any time. We’d be more than happy to discuss your case, your options, and the best plan of attack to ensure that you are fairly compensated and taken care of for your injuries.
Call us at 833-997-1774 to schedule a free consultation, and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.