After a car accident, it is normal to feel overwhelmed. Damage to your vehicle – not to mention increased insurance costs – can lead to serious financial obligations. If you suffered an injury, it is vital to see a doctor and speak with an attorney about your legal options. Seeing a doctor after a car accident can help your health and your car accident claim.
Why Should I Seek Medical Attention After a Car Accident If I Feel Fine?
Physical damage sustained in an auto accident may not manifest itself right away. Delayed pain after a car accident is common. In fact, some common car accident injuries take several days to exhibit symptoms. This is especially true of head injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which may not exhibit symptoms for several months.
Even when you begin to experience these symptoms, they can be subtle and difficult to identify without the help of a medical professional. In short, “minor” injuries sustained in a car accident may not be minor at all, so speak to a doctor to ensure that you receive the medical treatment you need.
When Should I Call My Doctor After an Accident?
If medical help does not come to the car accident scene, you should call your doctor as soon as possible. If you experience any of the following symptoms after a car accident, do not hesitate to seek medical attention. The following symptoms could indicate a dangerous, underlying injury:
- Numbness
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Soreness
Waiting to seek medical attention for possible injuries can place your well-being and health on the line. Seeing a doctor may keep dormant injuries from becoming worse.
Seeing a Doctor After a Car Accident and What to Do Before You Go
You should begin gathering evidence for your injury claim even before you see a doctor. This includes taking pictures of any injuries, such as bruises, cuts and scrapes.
You should also document any pain or symptoms that may be connected to your injury. Keeping a close record of your injury after an accident is useful for your doctor and your car accident attorney.
When you do see your doctor, let them know that you were involved in a car accident. That way the doctor can check for certain underlying symptoms and it will be recorded in your medical history. You should continue to seek medical treatment as your symptoms persist.
Why Is Seeing a Doctor After My Car Accident Important for My Claim?
The longer you wait to contact a doctor, the more difficult it will be for you to substantiate a personal injury claim. Without evidence of medical treatment, you may have difficulty seeking compensation for physical damages that appear at a later time.
Your insurance company or the negligent party’s insurance company could claim that the accident did not warrant medical attention. If you wait for days or weeks after the accident to see a doctor, it could be claimed that your injuries were not caused by the accident.
Do You Need a Car Accident Attorney in Texas?
If you or someone you love has suffered an injury in a car accident, our Houston car accident lawyer is here to help. At the Law Office of Daniel D. Horowitz, III PC, we have recovered more than $100 million in financial compensation for our clients.
Let us put this experience to work for you. To learn more about your legal rights and options, contact us today by requesting a free evaluation of your case. You can also call our office at (832) 460-5181 to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your options.