If you have been in a car accident, you should always consider getting checked out by a medical professional. Sometimes, in fact, many times, people don’t think they are injured following a car crash. This can be the result of shock, distraction, or most commonly the surge of adrenaline rushing through our body in response to the stress of the accident. The human body has an amazing ability to generate chemical reactions to allow us to deal with stressful situations and repress our pain sensors. Once the stressful event subsides, these biological reactions wear off, our heightened psychological state relaxes, and we begin noticing the true impact of the accident. This process can take hours, or sometimes days to manifest. It is precisely because of this delayed onset of symptoms that getting medical attention immediately after an accident can be helpful, if not critical at times.
Some symptoms are more obvious than others. An obvious broken bone, lacerations, or bleeding will be easier to detect and alert you to the need to get medical attention. However, many serious injuries are not visible or obvious at first. You don’t usually see a broken rib or spinal fracture. Similarly, there are usually no visible signs of concussion, sprain or strain injuries. A medical professional, however, will be able to conduct a full evaluation to determine if you sustained any such injury and provide critical early intervention. Neglecting a “small” issue often causes it to become a bigger issue later. Getting medical treatment early can mitigate that possibility.
If you are injured and do not get medical treatment or delay getting medical treatment, you can be sure the insurance company will use that against you. Insurance companies will look for any and every opportunity to not pay you for your injuries or low ball their settlement offers. The best ammunition for them to use is your failure to treat. When it comes to settling your case, one of the most important assets you have is your medical record documenting the extent, nature and duration of your injury and treatment. If you suffer through weeks or months of pain following an accident but fail to get any treatment, how will you prove your injury to the insurance adjuster when they claim you were not injured? They will certainly not take you at your word.
The general rule is that unless you are one hundred percent certain you have not sustained any injuries, getting checked out by a medical professional after a car accident is prudent and sensible. Medical treatment not only allows you to get better faster, but also provides you with the necessary documentation to prove your injuries. Don’t make the insurance company’s job easier in denying your claim by “toughing it out” and not going to the doctor. How much treatment and what type of treatment is appropriate will vary from case to case. You can always contact us for free consultation to learn more about this issue and make sure your case is handled appropriately.
Other questions you may have after an accident.
Do I call the other driver’s insurance company to report the accident?
Do I file a claim with my own insurance company?
Who will pay for the damage to the car?
Will I be able to get a rental while my car is being repaired?
Will I get a settlement for my injuries?
