If you are involved in a car accident and don’t sustain visible injuries or “alarming” pain, you may be tempted to go about your business. A medical evaluation may seem optional. However, doing this may be unwise.
Some injuries have delayed symptoms
Unlike visible injuries which are apparent, as you can see a cut or a burn, invisible injuries can go undetectable for hours if not days or weeks. Besides, the adrenaline rush you may experience after an accident can mask your pain. You may start to feel pain hours later after the effects of adrenaline on your body subside.
Therefore, even though you may believe you are not injured, you may have suffered a serious injury. A medical evaluation can identify hidden injuries.
Some injuries can worsen
Some untreated injuries can worsen with time. For example, an untreated back injury can lead to a long-term disability, affecting your mobility. Additionally, some conditions can lead to death in some cases, such as untreated internal bleeding. Not seeking medical help sooner can put you at risk.
Medical records are crucial
While you should take pictures of your injuries and the accident scene for documentation purposes, seeking medical treatment can also offer solid evidence. You want to link your injuries to the accident. Taking too long to seek medical treatment can create room for contests from the other driver’s insurance company, as they may state other elements after the accident may have led to your injuries.
Note that you need to continue documenting your injuries even after seeking medical help. Write down new symptoms, record your pain level daily and so on.
If you are involved in a car accident, it’s vital to be extra careful about your decisions, including medical ones, to protect your case.