After a car crash, it is recommended that anyone involved see a doctor to be assessed for injuries. In some cases, the need to be seen by a doctor may be obvious, you can be experiencing pain, or have obvious physical injuries. However, in many cases, injuries – even serious ones – may not be apparent. This is why it is important for everyone involved in a car accident to visit their doctor to be checked for injuries. Then, contact our car accident lawyers for help filing a claim.
When Should You Visit the Doctor After a Car Crash?
After you are involved in a car crash it is best to visit the doctor as soon as possible. Receiving prompt medical attention is crucial in preventing injuries from worsening. Additionally, some injuries may not be apparent but can be serious, such as concussions. If these injuries are not identified and addressed quickly it can lead to complications and a prolonged recovery process.
If you plan on filing a claim for compensation it is essential to be seen by a doctor promptly. Insurance companies will take note of how long you waited to visit the doctor and may use it to argue against the severity of your injuries, which may ultimately bar you from recovering compensation.
It may be best to seek immediate medical care after a car crash if you experience symptoms such as:
- Headaches
- Neck or shoulder pain
- Abdominal pain
- Numbness or tingling
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Changes in vision or hearing
- Difficulty breathing
- Confusion or disorientation
- Bruising or swelling
- Loss of consciousness
These symptoms may indicate serious injury. Seeking immediate medical care can help you create the documentation you need to obtain compensation for injuries caused by the accident.
Should I Go to the Emergency Room?
Certain injuries demand immediate attention in an emergency room. If you experience uncontrolled bleeding, severe burns, loss of consciousness, exposed or broken bones, or a sudden loss of feeling in your limbs, head straight to the nearest ER.
Emergency medical teams are equipped to evaluate your condition and provide urgent, potentially life-saving treatment. Most ER facilities offer on-site MRI, CT scan, and X-ray capabilities, as well as a pharmacy and access to specialists, ensuring you receive comprehensive care.
If your injuries don’t appear life-threatening, a trip to the ER may not be necessary. In these cases, consider visiting a freestanding ER, a 24-hour urgent care center, or making an appointment with your primary physician for follow-up care. However, if your symptoms worsen before that appointment, don’t hesitate—go to the ER right away.
Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, it’s important to remain alert to delayed injuries. Once your adrenaline levels return to normal, you may notice new or worsening pain, headaches, dizziness, or other signs of a more serious condition. In some cases, injuries such as soft tissue damage, internal bleeding, or concussions might take hours, days, or even weeks to become apparent. Paying attention to these delayed symptoms and seeking medical care when they occur can be crucial to preventing more serious complications down the road.
How Visiting Your Doctor Can Help If You Choose To File A Claim
Visiting your doctor after a car crash can help to significantly strengthen your claim in several ways:
- Documentation of injuries: your doctor’s evaluation and medical records serve as official documentation of any injuries you sustained in the accident and provide concrete evidence of the extent and severity of your injuries.
- Establishes causation: medical records that link your injuries to the car crash you were involved in can help your lawyer demonstrate in your claim that your injuries were a direct result of the accident.
- Treatment plan: following your doctor’s treatment plan shows you are actively addressing your injuries, working toward recovery, and prioritizing your health. This can strengthen your case by showing you are taking the necessary steps to mitigate the extent of damages you suffered.
- Expert opinion: your doctor’s expert opinion can carry significant weight throughout your legal proceedings. Their written reports or testimony can serve as professional validation of the existence of your injuries, the extent and severity of your injuries, and the impact they’ve had on your life.
- Long-term prognosis: your doctor can provide insight into the long-term effects your injuries can have on your life and any potential future medical needs you may have down the road. This information can help to accurately calculate full and fair damages to seek in your claim.
Visiting your doctor after a car crash not only prioritizes your health and well-being, but it can play a pivotal role in helping to build a strong case for your compensation. Seeking prompt medical care and following your doctor’s treatment plan and advice helps you to safeguard your health and protect your legal rights, giving you the best shot at the maximum possible compensation for your injuries and losses.
After visiting the doctor, schedule a free consultation with our Denver personal injury attorneys to learn about recovering compensation for your injuries.