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Seeking medical attention after a car accident

On Behalf of | Jan 15, 2025 | Car Accidents

Getting necessary medical attention is one of the crucial steps to take after a car accident, whether or not your injuries are severe. Injuries from a car accident are all very different. Some people have soft-tissue injuries requiring chiropractic care or physical therapy. Some injuries require immediate diagnostic testing such an an x-ray, CT scan, or MRI to determine the severity of the injuries. Some people require either immediate surgery or surgery down the road. Regardless of the severity of injury, there is no question the quicker you receive appropriate medical care the better the chances for a successful physical recovery.

You may have delayed symptoms

Delayed symptoms are not uncommon after a car accident. Since it  is a traumatic event, your body will naturally release adrenaline to help you cope better with the injury. The rush of adrenaline also masks the physical pain which will eventually come as the days pass. It is common for a person to be involved in a serious car accident, not seek immediate medical care, and in the day after the accident not be able to even get out of bed due to the pain. This is an example of a delayed symptom.

When symptoms start, you should seek appropriate medical care.

You want to document your injuries

Another benefit of seeking appropriate medical help after an accident is to document your injuries. Whether it relates to payment of your medical bills from an accident or claims for pain and suffering, the insurance company will never meet you. They will address your claim through the review of medical records. Those medical records will set forth the nature of your injuries, the dates you sought medical care, future care recommended, and your progress through treatment.  Your medical records are critical in the payment of medical bills and your claims for pain and suffering. 

However, when you take too long to go to the doctor, creating gaps between the date the accident happened and when you started treatment, the other party or insurance company may deny liability for your injuries. Having documents in the form of medical records linking your injuries to the crash is vital. When you do seek medical care, be sure to fully outline your injuries, symptoms, and the onset of pain. That information will be placed in the medical records by the medical provider and will be important for the insurance company to review.

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