A car accident, even a minor one, can leave you shaken and confused. During those high-adrenaline moments, all you want is to get home as fast as you can and forget about what happened.
Amidst the chaos that comes with a car crash, it is tempting to overlook the need to see a doctor, especially if you do not feel any pain or if you think your injuries are too minor to warrant this. However, this can be a costly mistake. Even if your injuries appear insignificant, it is in your best interest that you see a doctor as soon as possible. Here is why this is important:
Your health is crucial
First and foremost, you need to visit the ER immediately following a car crash for your health’s sake. While some injuries like cuts might be clear, some like internal bleeding may not be symptomatic until days or even weeks after the accident. If these hidden injuries are not diagnosed and treated in time, you might end up with very serious, and potentially life-threatening, complications.
You need the doctor’s report to build your case
An accident might have resulted in your injuries. And you might have a legitimate claim against the defendant. Unfortunately, without evidence to link them to your injuries, you might not bring a successful personal injury claim against them.
In fact, the defendant and their insurance company will most likely argue that your injuries have nothing to do with the accident, otherwise you would have sought treatment. Simply put, seeking treatment immediately after the accident will ensure that you obtain a medical report that you can use to strengthen your personal injury claim.
A car crash can be a life-altering experience. It’s easy to assume that you don’t have to see a doctor. However, this decision can impact your health as well as the outcome of your personal injury claim as well.
