Seeking Medical Treatment After A Car Accident

Being in a car accident is frightening, but if you are not seriously injured, you may be tempted to dismiss the whole incident as an annoying interlude rather than a future problem. Unfortunately, failing to seek medical attention immediately after an accident can lead to much greater problems down the road if your symptoms worsen. It is always better to err on the side of caution and seek immediate medical treatment after an accident.

What If I Do Not Believe I Am Injured?

Most people try to avoid going to the doctor or hospital if they can. No one likes admitting that they are hurt, and if you feel fine after an accident, you may decide it is not worth it to have an examination. The problem with this attitude is that the symptoms of some injuries do not manifest themselves immediately. Seeking medical treatment after a car accident is critically important!

When you are in an accident, several things happen to you physically and emotionally. You are excited and angry, causing your body to release adrenaline into your blood stream. Adrenaline causes you to stop feeling pain for a short period of time; its purpose is to allow you to “fight or flee” the scene of danger. Once you calm down, however, and your body has a chance to recover from the initial shock, you may find that you are hurt much more seriously than you imagined.

In addition, some types of injuries simply do not manifest immediately. For example, the symptoms of whiplash injuries may take days or even weeks to fully appear. Traumatic brain injuries may also take some time to develop. By the time these symptoms appear, it may be very difficult to connect the accident with the onset of signs of the injury.

How Does Seeking Medical Attention Help My Case?

It is important to remember that insurance companies are looking for any possible reason to deny an accident victim’s claim. If you fail to seek medical attention after an accident, then some time later try to file an injury claim, the insurance company will most likely suggest that your accident and your injury are unrelated. It may be very difficult for you to prove otherwise, and your case may be jeopardized due to the fact that you did not seek medical care. Understanding Personal Injury Protection laws in Florida is also important as you only have 14 days to seek medical attention after an accident to qualify for PIP.

If you declined medical treatment at the scene of the accident, go to your doctor immediately afterward and begin the process of documentation of your injuries. The sooner you seek medical treatment, the better. You should explain to your doctor that you were in a car accident and ask for a full physical examination. The doctor can then note any possible symptoms or problems so that if they later become more serious, you have proof that these issues were present immediately after the crash.

If you do choose to go to work, be sure to notify your employer of your accident as well. If you feel you must take time off work due to your injuries, be sure to document this as the reason for your absence.

Taking these steps by seeking medical treatment after a car accident will make it more likely that you can recover compensation for your injuries at a later time.

For more information on the steps you should take after a florida car accident to protect your rights and obtain fair compensation for your injuries download our free eBook Injury Accident Claims. Or call our office anytime at 800.360.7015.