If you are fortunate enough to walk out of a car wreck with minor injuries like bruises, or no injuries at all, you might be tempted to believe seeing a doctor is a waste of your precious time. However, this can turn out to be a costly mistake – one that can put your health and personal injury claim at risk.
Seeking treatment after an accident is crucial for a variety of reasons. Here are two of them:
Your health depends on it
From cuts to broken bones, bruises and lacerations, a car accident can leave you with all manner of injuries. And while some injuries may be clearly apparent, others are not always symptomatic for several days or weeks after the crash. Seeking immediate treatment ensures that your injuries are accurately diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Left undiagnosed and treated in time, internal injuries can escalate to life-threatening complications.
Your injuries need to be properly documented
To successfully litigate a personal injury claim, you do need evidence. And this is where your medical records come in. Simply claiming that you suffered head or spine injuries after a car crash is not enough. You need to present medical proof that links your injuries to the accident in question. You can’t obtain medical records without first seeing a doctor.
By seeking treatment immediately following the crash, the doctor will provide a professional report that you can use to litigate your claim. Additionally, they will recommend a treatment plan as well as the medical costs necessary to get you back on your feet. And all these can go a long way in strengthening your case.
Protecting your rights
No one likes going to the hospital, especially if you do not feel any pain. However, if you are involved in a car accident, it is in your best interest that you see a doctor as soon as you possibly can.