Immediately after being involved in a car accident, you may feel little to no pain. This is true even if you have been injured. The rush of adrenaline can mask discomfort or pain for several hours. As a result, many people who have been in a car accident refuse medical treatment at the scene.
Though the reluctance to immediately go to an emergency room or urgent care facility is understandable, that decision can backfire. Insurance companies frequently deny claims or offer low settlements when accident survivors wait to get care. This leaves them paying for costly treatment on their own.
If you are obviously injured, you should accept any treatment offered at the accident scene. For instance, broken bones, severe burns, and lacerations are common crash injuries that are apparent and require immediate care.
What if you feel okay? In that case, consider making an appointment as soon as possible with your primary care physician. That way, you can be checked out quickly. Monitor yourself for any symptoms between your accident and your visit.
Many people report feeling much different the morning after a car accident because pain is often delayed, as well as dizziness, numbness, and stiffness. The effects of whiplash and even a concussion can take time to show up. You should be seen quickly at the earliest signs that you may be hurt.
How Can Your Medical Records Help Your Accident Claim?
After being involved in an accident that causes an injury, you will likely want to seek compensation. You may end up submitting an insurance claim. The insurance adjuster will want to see evidence that you are truthful about your injury.
Having medical records is the best way to show the link between your crash and your injury. The longer you wait to go to the doctor, the greater the likelihood that the insurance adjuster will try to say that your injury was not related to the crash. Suppose you were in an accident on Saturday night and waited until the following Friday to get treatment for neck, shoulder, and back pain. The insurance adjuster might deny your claim and argue that you could have been hurt between Sunday and Thursday.
Present accurate reports, diagnostic tests, and other evidence from medical professionals to give your claim more validity. The insurance company may still balk at paying you a fair settlement, which is a reason to consider hiring a car accident lawyer.
You may not like going to the doctor, but getting a diagnosis and treatment after an accident is priority. Getting seen as soon as possible and remaining compliant with your treatment plan goes a long way toward getting compensated.
West Chester Car Accident Lawyers at Eckell Sparks Can Help You Understand Your Rights After a Collision
It is critical to receive medical treatment after an accident, even if you believe you are okay. If you have a severe car accident injury, speak with one of our experienced West Chester car accident lawyers at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. Call us at 610-565-3701 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation. We are located in Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, and we proudly serve the communities of Chester County, Montgomery County, and Delaware County.