What do you do following a car accident?
While the immediate steps may come to mind – pulling off to the side of the road, filing a police report and exchanging insurance information with the other parties – what about your injuries? It can be easy to disregard them in the confusion and shock, but your health plays a critical role in a car accident claim if you choose to file one.
How do you determine whether or not you're actually hurt, or if it’s serious enough to require medical attention?
A car accident takes place every minute (the National Highway Traffic Administration). But does a head-on collision warrant the same safety measures as a fender bender?
Despite how much pain you may or may not be in, seeing a doctor after an accident is necessary. Only a medical professional can properly determine if you are free of any serious injuries. Contrary to what many might think, there is no “walking off” an injury, especially if you plan on pursuing a lawsuit. Recognizing that you need medical assistance is one of the most important things you can do – for your health and your future.
If you've already seen a doctor and you're ready to discuss your injuries with an attorney, contact The Flood Law Firm today for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation by calling (860) 346-2695. We understand that this is a difficult time, and we can help alleviate your burden.
Why See a Doctor after a Collision or Accident?
Following a car accident – especially a minor one – the last thing you may want to do is go to the hospital. While your nerves are rattled and you’re settling down, it might seem like a better idea to go straight home and rest. It can also feel overwhelming to try and recall details, answer more questions or be examined by a doctor.
Many wonder what happens if you don't feel any pain after a car accident; is it still necessary to get checked out? Consider the following reasons to see a doctor after a car accident.
First, while you may not be in pain or feel injured, it is possible that your body is in shock. Injuries can take days or even weeks to manifest and trigger pain, while others (such as internal injuries) aren’t readily seen with the naked eye.
The attorneys at The Flood Law Firm have worked with hundreds of car accidents victims. We understand that this can be an expensive and inconvenient time can for you and your family. The steps you take immediately following a wreck of any extend could greatly impact your chances of receiving compensation you might be owed. Taking care of your health is one of the most sensible things you can do to ensure you and your family are protected, since neglecting any injuries could hurt your claim. If you see a doctor for no other reason, you will gain a peace of mind knowing your health is intact.
Another important reason to see a doctor after you’ve been in a wreck is if you believe the other driver was responsible. Though you have a right to seek financial compensation for your pain and suffering, proving the validity of these damages can be difficult – especially if you failed to see a doctor after the car accident.
Since pain tolerance varies from person to person, it can be difficult to discern the negative effects of an injury. A broken bone may be more obvious than a torn muscle or ligament, but many insurance providers abide by the belief that “If you didn't go to the doctor after the accident, you must not have been in any real pain.”
It’s imperative that you are examined by a medical professional and keep record of the following items as potential evidence to support your case:
- Medical Records
- Medical Bills
- Prescription Records
- Doctor's Notes
- Applicable Receipts
- Photographs of Injuries
- Documentation of Missed Work
Injuries That Require Immediate Medical Attention After a Car Accident
If your injuries worsen because you have neglected them, not only will it work against your claim, it could also significantly impact the success and extent of your recovery. Certain injuries should be treated right away, including:
- Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Cuts and Lacerations
- Broken Bones
- Knee Damage
- Neck Pain
- Whiplash
While some injuries are more severe than others, even minor ones can progress and cause permanent damage if they have gone untreated. Whiplash and Traumatic Brain Injuries are prime examples of this, both of which do not show physical signs of damage.
What If My Injuries Don't Show Up Right Away Following the Accident?
Many victims of car accidents can feel emotionally sensitive following a wreck; this is normal. Yet, while your emotions may run the gamut from grief to joy, they can distract from any physical indications of an injury at the start. Chemicals in your brain such as adrenaline and endorphins can impose a numbing effect on pain receptors, making you feel “fine,” or even energized or excited. Once your emotions have run their course, pain can set in days or even weeks afterwards.
Even a low-speed accident can generate high levels of force, resulting in whiplash and other tissue damage. Soft tissue injuries in particular can take days or weeks to form, and are not detectable in an X-ray. Just because you can't see or even feel an injury right away, doesn't mean it isn’t there or won't be there later.
Concussions are another type of injury that can form without the victim knowing it. Though symptoms are noticeable and often include headaches, blurred vision, dizziness and lack of energy, these symptoms can also be subtle or mistaken for another kind of ailment. A doctor can help determine if you've suffered from a concussion, and to what extent.
Spare yourself and your loved ones the remorse of possibly suffering permanent damage by getting yourself checked out – even if you feel fine.
Contact The Flood Law Firm after Your Doctor's Visit
If you discovered this page because you or someone you know was recently injured in a wreck, the attorneys at The Flood Law Firm are here for you. In spite of the uncertainty following an event like this, you can be sure that we will do all in our power to help you get your life back on track. An injury brings many complexities, and we will willingly take on the task of gaining you the compensation you deserve to properly heal.
Just as it is important to see a medical professional following a collision, it’s also highly recommended that you speak with a personal injury attorney. Once you've been cleared by a doctor, a personal injury who has experience settling car accident cases can assist you with the ongoing legal process. You can take the time you need to heal, while we handle everything from the paperwork to the phone calls and deadlines.
Proving pain and suffering after a car accident can be both tedious and difficult; avoid trying to brave the battle on your own. For a no-cost, no-obligation consultation, contact The Flood Law Firm today at (860) 346-2695. Your call is free, confidential, and will provide you with the direction you need to move forward.
