Being the victim of a car crash is a devastating, overwhelming experience. Not only do you have to heal from injuries, but you also have to keep track of your medical documentation to ensure you receive proper compensation for your injuries should you ever pursue a lawsuit.
If you are involved in a car crash, you may experience moderate to severe injuries. Regardless of the severity of your symptoms, it is important to visit a doctor who can evaluate your health and injuries post-accident. If you don’t seek prompt medical care, it will make it challenging to receive full compensation for your injuries. Here is some information on the importance of seeking medical care after a car accident.
Why You Should See a Doctor After a Car Accident
After a car accident, it is important to visit your doctor even if you aren’t experiencing any symptoms or have any obvious injuries. There are many accident-related injuries that have a delayed onset. The following injuries are commonly caused by car accidents but don’t present immediate symptoms:
- Internal bleeding
- Whiplash
- Sprains
- Bone fractures
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Headaches
Doctors You Should See After an Accident
The kind of doctor you see after your crash will depend on the severity of your symptoms. If you are experiencing moderate symptoms, a visit to your general physician will suffice. However, if your injuries are more severe, it is probably best to seek out the expert advice of a specialist.
During your initial doctor visit post-accident, it is important to be honest when describing your injuries. Let your physician know the level of pain or discomfort you’re experiencing and whether it is impacting your life on a daily basis. When doctors have a full understanding of your symptoms, they are best equipped to give you a proper diagnosis and treat your injuries.
Whether you see a specialist or a general physician, it is imperative that you follow their prescribed treatment plan. If you miss follow-up appointments or ignore your doctor’s instructions, you put your health and your compensation from your insurance company at risk. If you are considering legal action, it is important that you prioritize your medical care and take your treatment protocol seriously.
Keep All Medical Documents from Your Appointments
The prescriptions, treatment plans, and medical bills from your appointments will be important evidence in your personal injury case. Without medical documentation that backs up your testimony, it will be hard to establish a strong argument in court. To ensure that you don’t lose any important documentation, it is best to make copies of important records. This ensures you can provide your lawyer with essential evidence if you choose to pursue legal action.
The Importance of Seeking Medical Care After a Car Crash
In any car crash, the victim’s health is the primary concern. Receiving prompt medical care allows your doctor to quickly identify and treat any injuries. Even if you feel fine, only a doctor can conclude that you are truly uninjured from your crash. When injuries are left untreated, they can cause major health issues later in your life.
From a legal standpoint, it is also imperative to seek medical care after your accident. Medical documentation is some of the strongest evidence you can present in a personal injury case. Without it, it can be hard to establish that your injuries and the resulting pain are worthy of compensation. If you don’t receive medical attention in a timely manner, the defense will argue that your injuries are unrelated to your car accident.
Seeking Legal Counsel After a Car Accident
If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, be sure to secure the experienced legal counsel of a knowledgeable personal injury attorney. At Setareh Law, our car accident lawyers are here to provide you with the representation you deserve. We understand the stress of being injured by a negligent party and will exhaust every available resource to help ensure that you receive proper compensation for your injuries. To schedule a free consultation with one of our trusted attorneys, complete an online contact form or call today at (310) 659-1826.