Why You Should Always See a Doctor Following a Car Accident
Posted on September 17, 2019 Written By: iadminlaw
When you walk away from a car accident without serious injury, you may be tempted to skip going to the doctor. However, most car accident attorneys would advise always seeking an evaluation, whether you think you need it or not. Find out why in this blog post.
Why You Should Always See a Doctor Following a Car Accident
When you’re involved in a car accident, there is always a risk of serious, even life-threatening personal injury. Fortunately, there are many who walk away from car accidents with only minor scrapes and bruises. Even if that’s the boat you’re in, however, our car accident lawyers suggest that you always seek medical counsel following an accident.
Yes, even if you don’t think it’s necessary, take the time to either go to the ER, check into a local urgent care facility, or make a same-day appointment with your general practitioner. There are a number of reasons for this, which we’ll review in the paragraphs below.
Many Injuries Won’t Manifest Until Later
For one thing, even if you feel like you’re unharmed, there may be some latent injuries that simply haven’t manifest quite yet.
Many of the injuries commonly associated with physical trauma, such as concussions and internal bleeding, may take a few hours, a few days, or even a few weeks before they become fully evident.
A doctor will be able to identify these issues in advance, and help you take the right precautions to minimize symptoms before they even begin. But if you decline a physical examination, you may be allowing injuries to grow untreated.
Considering Your Insurance Claim
A car accident attorney will advise you to seek medical evaluation not just for reasons of physical health and safety, but also because it’s what’s best for your insurance claim and your legal standing.
If you file a claim with your insurance company but cannot produce evidence that you sought prompt medical attention, the insurance carrier may deny your claim; they may allege that your reluctance to seek medical attention is what caused the symptoms to intensify, or they may even suggest that the injury predated your accident.
All of this is just to say that, to make sure your legal claim is airtight, you always want to see a doctor… whether you really think you “need to” or not.
Additional Advice from a Car Accident Attorney
Some specific guidelines to keep in mind as you seek medical consultation after a car accident:
- Keep records of all medical visits. Create a log where you note when you saw the doctor; the name of the doctor you saw; the diagnosis you received; and the treatment plan given. If the doctor’s office provides you with any records of your visit, file them away.
- Make sure you go along with any treatment plan your doctor recommends. If you’re advised to take medication, attend physical therapy, or rest for a few days, do so… again, even if you don’t feel like you truly need it, it’s good for your legal case. Keep track of all of these measures in your log.
- Along the same lines, make sure you are present for any follow-up appointments your doctor requests. Missed appointments will only weaken your legal standing.
Remember, if there is any concern over how you’ll pay for medical expenses, talk with a car accident lawyer. One of the primary roles your car accident attorney plays is helping you get reimbursed for out-of-pocket costs, and that includes any costs incurred seeking medical attention.
Reach Out to a Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident and have any questions about how to file your claim, or how to receive the necessary financial compensation, contact a car accident attorney from I Accident Lawyer at your next convenience.
