Injuries resulting from a car accident may not show symptoms right away. Some symptoms could take hours, days or even weeks to become evident. Not seeking medical attention after your accident is not only risky for your health and well-being, but it could also jeopardize your insurance claim.
Insurance companies may argue that your injuries aren’t severe or worse, aren’t related to the accident. They may even use this as grounds to lower your settlement or deny your claim altogether.
That said, you should seek medical attention after the car accident – even if you feel fine. Doing so serves several purposes, such as:
- It will serve as vital evidence for your insurance claim.
- It can determine if you have any injuries as a result of the accident, including the type and severity.
- It will ensure that any treatment can be done promptly to minimize the impact of your injuries and hasten recovery.
Yes going to a doctor to get evaluated after your car accident can seem like such an inconvenience but it is a necessary step to protect you and your legal victim rights.
Why Do a Lot of People Feel Fine After a Car Accident?
After a car accident, the body’s release of adrenaline and endorphins plays a significant role in delaying the pain. These hormones also give you a sense of well-being causing you to feel OK or only experience minimal discomfort immediately after the accident. But this is only a temporary relief and the symptoms of your injuries may not be evident until hours or even days after.
When to Seek Medical Care
Ideally, you should get an assessment from a qualified physician within 1-3 days of the accident. However, if you can arrange to be seen sooner (like immediately after the incident), it’s highly advisable.
The risk of sustaining serious injuries such as a concussion or internal bleeding is higher after an accident which is why early medical intervention is needed. This way, the doctor can identify and address any potential health concerns ASAP. The sooner you seek medical attention, the better the chances of detecting and mitigating any underlying injuries.
Choosing the Right Doctor
Here are the primary healthcare providers you can go to after your vehicular accident:
Your Regular Doctor
If your injuries are neither life-threatening nor severe, you can schedule an appointment with your regular physician. They can assess your condition and provide the appropriate treatment or give you a referral to a specialist, such as a chiropractor, if needed.
Urgent Care Doctor
For moderate to serious injuries that don’t require immediate medical attention, you can visit an urgent care facility where the medical staff can evaluate your condition, administer treatments, and make referrals to specialists.
Emergency Care
If your injuries are severe or life-threatening then you need to call 911 or get yourself to an emergency room right away. Paramedics can assess your condition and see to it that you receive the necessary emergency care so if an ambulance transport is offered, don’t refuse.
The Dangers of Not Seeking Medical Attention After Your Accident
A car accident can result in hidden injuries with serious consequences. Despite feeling fine initially, your life could be in danger.
Symptoms of hidden injuries, such as internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries, can be delayed, particularly as the body may still be in a state of shock. Seeking immediate medical care is a must as healthcare professionals can do thorough evaluations and diagnostic tests, like MRIs or CT scans, to identify and treat any injuries as soon as possible.
Aside from the health risks, not seeking medical attention can also complicate your insurance claim. If there’s a gap in your medical treatment (from when the incident occurred) it may undermine your claim’s credibility. Timely medical care can help you gather sufficient documentation like x-rays and medical records, which will support the connection between your injuries and the accident.
Lastly, it’s important to note that any untreated injuries could pose long-term health risks and may develop into chronic pain, reduced mobility or even permanent disability.
Car Accident Related Injuries with Delayed Onset of Symptoms
Here are some injuries resulting from car accidents that tend to have delayed symptoms:
Whiplash
Whiplash is characterized by muscle or ligament damage. It can manifest days after the incident, with symptoms like neck pain and stiffness that worsens when you move.
Concussions
Concussions are a form of traumatic brain injury resulting from the forceful shaking of the head during a collision. Its symptoms include:
- Continual or intense headaches
- Cognitive issues
- Vertigo
- Nausea
- Heightened sensitivity to light or sound
- Unexplained exhaustion or sleepiness
- Mental fog or trouble focusing
- Shifts in mood / increased irritability
- Disrupted sleep patterns
- Internal Injuries
Internal traumas
Internal traumas such as internal bleeding pose life-threatening risks if left untreated. These injuries require urgent medical attention.
In a Nutshell
Even if you feel fine right now, you could have hidden injuries resulting from your car accident. Be sure to consult a doctor not only to protect your well-being but also to gather evidence that can strengthen your insurance claim.