ESPANOL
See a doctor even if you feel fine after a car accident.
Many people struggle with whether they should see a doctor after a car accident if they feel fine. Always see a doctor in this situation. Many injuries may not present with any physical symptoms immediately after the accident.
An untreated injury from a car accident could cause complications in the future that might significantly affect your quality of life. Not receiving treatment for injuries sustained in a car accident makes it difficult to receive the compensation you need.
The National Safety Council found that only 4.5 million people involved in car accidents seek medical attention. This number is quite low when the total number of car accidents in the United States is 5.2 million.
Why Might You Feel Fine After an Accident?
You might feel fine immediately after an accident for the following reasons:
- The production of adrenaline by the body
- The injuries sustained are minor or have affected soft tissue
- Presence of drugs within your body
- The injuries you sustained affect your internal organs
After a car accident, you are likely in a state of shock. The body produces adrenaline, which may mask the pain from the injuries you have sustained. Adrenaline also puts you in a fight or flight response, and you may feel better than you were before the accident. However, this does not mean that you are fine.
Internal injuries sustained in car accidents worsen with each passing second they remain untreated. Feeling fine should not be an excuse for not visiting the emergency room after a car accident.
How Failing to See a Doctor Affects Your Personal Injury Case
Failing to see a doctor makes it difficult to prove that your injuries are attributable to your car accident. Fault only exists if the car accident is the proximate cause of your injuries. The medical records obtained after a car accident are important in determining the amount of damages you should receive.
The longer you stay without seeking medical attention, the more difficult it gets to prove that the crash caused your injuries. Even if you have sustained minor injuries, seeking medical attention makes it easier to receive a fair settlement.
The Insurance Company Will Use That Fact Against You
The insurance adjuster for the liable party will try everything they can to ensure they do not pay your claim. Waiting to seek medical attention or not seeing a doctor will prove to the adjuster that your injuries aren’t an issue. It will allow the adjuster to say that you were not in pain. They could also say that the injuries you sustained were not caused by the accident.
Further, taking a long time to see a doctor may force you to incur medical expenses that will not be included in the settlement amount calculation. For instance, if an internal injury is not treated after the accident, you receive the settlement. You may have to cater to the cost of treating the injury out of pocket.
The answer to the question “I feel fine after my accident. Should I still see a doctor?” is always yes. Seeking medical attention after a car accident is good for your health. A personal injury lawyer will also use the records to win your car accident claim.
Common Injuries That Often Go Untreated After a Car Accident
Even car accidents that occur at low speeds can cause serious injuries. Injuries sustained in a car accident may present days or hours after the event. Some common injuries that go untreated after car accidents are:
- Whiplash and delayed neck pain
- Concussion
- Abdominal pain
- Back pain
- Tingling and numbness in hands or arms
Taking over-the-counter drugs to deal with the above injuries is not a good solution. These injuries may get worse if left untreated. Abdominal pain can indicate internal bleeding or injury to internal organs.
Why Should I Get Treated By a Doctor After a Car Accident If I Feel Fine?
Seeking medical attention allows doctors to give you a physical examination. You may also receive a computerized tomography (CT) scan, which will show if there are any internal injuries or bleeding. The settlement we could pursue would cover the cost of such a procedure.
Seeing a doctor should be the first thing you do after a car accident. The second thing you have to do is consider retaining a car accident lawyer.
George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers Is Ready to Help With Your Car Accident Case
The human body can withstand severe trauma, but you should always seek medical attention after a car accident. You should also seek mental health services to address the psychological stress caused by the accident.
Contact a lawyer’s team to help you file your personal injury claim. This will help you or your loved one focus on getting better. Give George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers a call today at (888) 612-7001 so we can discuss your case. Our client testimonials and auto accident victim’s guide offers information about our firm and your post-accident options.