Don’t wait to see a doctor after an accident

Why You Shouldn’t Wait to See a Doctor After an Accident

If you’re involved in an accident where the injuries are not obvious or severe, you may be tempted to skip the emergency room or urgent care – or not see your doctor at all. But postponing a medical evaluation can do more harm than good. In today’s blog, we’re discussing why you shouldn’t wait to see a doctor following a car accident.

Medical Experts are Trained to Identify Problems

Emergency medical care providers like paramedics and firefighters are trained to examine victims of car accidents. They know what symptoms to look for, how to perform on-site examinations, and what questions to ask. If a medical expert thinks that an accident victim should be evaluated immediately, it’s a good idea to follow that advice. Some victims may think that they’re just rattled by the accident, but there could be hidden injuries like internal bleeding or organ damage.

Some of the injuries that motorists commonly suffer in a car accident include:

• Whiplash
• Concussions
• Chipped Teeth or Dental Problems
• Back and Neck Injuries
• Broken Bones
• Soft Tissue Damage
• Internal Bleeding
• Organ Damage
• Spinal Cord Damage
• Traumatic Brain Injuries

Prompt Treatment Can Improve Medical Outcomes

A crash victim may be tempted to “walk off” or “deal with” any soreness. After a traumatic event like a car crash, our bodies produce endorphins and adrenaline that can mask the severity of an injury. But after your system settles, certain injuries can become increasingly painful and complicated. Seeing a doctor as soon as possible means that you are diagnosing any issues while they’re still in the early stages. This, in turn, can increase the effectiveness of any treatment and improve your likelihood of recovery. In other words, the sooner you see a doctor, the sooner they can address your medical issues and have you feeling better.

Insurance May Try to Deny Your Claims

It’s important to remember that insurance companies are for-profit companies. They are looking for any reason to deny your claim and avoid a payout. If you are involved in a serious accident but then wait to see your doctor, the insurance company may try to claim that your injuries weren’t that serious to begin with. Or, insurance adjusters may try to argue that your medical condition was unrelated to the accident and caused by something else. When you delay evaluation and treatment, it becomes more difficult to prove the cause and severity of your injuries. That’s why it’s so important to see a medical expert as soon as possible after the accident and document your injuries.

Have Questions? Contact Our Personal Injury Team

If you are involved in a car accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Your health and safety come first. Otherwise, you cannot work, support your loved ones, and enjoy your life. The sooner you seek treatment, the sooner you’ll be on the road to recovery.

If you have suffered serious injuries in a car accident and need help with your case, please contact JH Law Group at (678) 694-1250 or use our online contact form. Our personal injury attorneys will be happy to discuss your case and your best legal options.