Your health and wellbeing after a car accident is the number one priority. After an accident, the body goes into fight or flight mode. This reaction, combined with the adrenaline flowing through your body, can make it seem as if everything is fine.
As soon as the adrenaline wears off and you begin to calm down, you will then start to feel the after-effects of the accident. Because of this initial reaction, you must always seek medical attention after an accident from an experienced injury doctor that knows what to look for.
If you are involved in an accident, keep in mind these reasons why you shouldn’t wait to get medical care.
Why Should You See A Doctor Immediately After An Accident?
It’s Important to Your Physical Safety
Car accidents can cause many injuries to the body, and the force of impact can be very damaging.
Whiplash is a common injury after a car accident that can lead to neck pain, stiffness, soreness, headaches, or blurred vision, to name a few symptoms. Car accident injuries can range from mild to severe and should always be looked at by a medical professional. They include back pain, concussions, broken bones, or internal bleeding.
These types of injuries can have dire consequences to your physical safety is not addressed soon after an auto accident. Without proper examination and treatment, the effects can be life-altering.
Don’t hesitate to visit an injury doctor to be evaluated after a car accident, no matter how you may feel at the moment. If you are wondering how soon after an auto accident, you should seek medical attention, the answer is always “immediately.”
Some Injuries Don’t Manifest Themselves Right Away
Another reason to seek medical attention soon after an accident is that symptoms of pain or injury may not show up until days afterward. Brain and spinal injuries, internal bleeding, or symptoms of a concussion may not be evident right away. It’s only under the watchful and trained eye of a medical professional that you can be sure to receive the care you need to recover fully.
Even if you are checked out initially after an accident, always be alert and aware of other signs or symptoms that something is wrong such as:
- Dizziness
- Weakness or numbness of the extremities
- Pain in the abdomen, head, back, or neck
- Bruising
- Headaches
- Disorientation
- Inability to sleep or concentrate
- Any other sign that things may be off
These symptoms can be a sign of a traumatic brain injury or internal bleeding that needs to be dealt with quickly after an accident, or they can be life-threatening. The ER doctor or personal injury doctor will provide you with a list of symptoms to be aware of so that you can seek medical attention if you begin to experience any of these symptoms.
Insurance Claims
While your health and safety are the most important reasons to seek medical care after an accident, it can also be beneficial for receiving compensation after an accident to see a doctor immediately after. A doctor will provide detailed documentation of your injuries so that the insurance company can have a record of the accident and injuries sustained.
Also, most insurance companies require that you seek medical treatment within 72 hours of an accident. This is deemed a reasonable amount of time to seek care. If you don’t, they could deny your claim and prevent you from receiving compensation.
To Maximize Your Claim, What Should You Do Immediately After An Accident?
To be sure that you receive the full benefits that you are entitled to you to help pay medical bills and pay lost wages, be sure to follow these tips.
Document Everything
Document everything carefully about your injury. While a reliable personal doctor will be doing the same, you should also have a record for yourself.
Call The Police
Call the police after an accident so that you will also have a police report that can help in your claims case.
Do Not Admit Fault
Do not admit fault. Do not say you are sorry or anything that could be perceived as admitting guilt in the accident. Let the police report and/or the attorney deal with that.
See A Doctor ASAP
For reasons already mentioned, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. Preferably a doctor that specializes in treating car accident victims.
Call A Personal Injury Attorney
Call a personal injury lawyer to help you navigate the process to receive the full benefits you are entitled to.
For even more information, follow our checklist on what to do after a car accident.
Medical care after an accident is essential to ensuring your health and wellness. AICA Orthopedics personal injury doctors have the knowledge and experience to provide high-quality treatment that can get you back on your feet and doing the things you love. Call our office to schedule a consultation and be sure your health is a priority.
