Getting into an automobile accident can be one of the scariest experiences of a lifetime. Aside from the physical damage to your vehicle, you also have to deal with your injuries. It is crucial that you seek medical care, even if you do not initially feel like you are hurt. The following are some things to keep in mind if you are considering skipping the doctor after a car accident:
You Do Not Feel Pain
At first, you may not feel any pain, particularly if you were in a relatively minor accident. It is not uncommon to not feel much at all for the first few hours. However, you might begin to notice some pain, so much so that it can be debilitating. The reason you do not feel immediate pain is because your body is reacting to a rush of adrenaline that happens when you endure an emergency.
This is the primary reason why many opt not to seek emergency medical attention. The problem occurs later on, when you do begin to have pain and possibly a serious injury that you were not aware of. You can suffer from a very scary injury that can require years of rehabilitation. If you catch it early with immediate medical care, you stand to have a better outcome.
You Need Documentation
Another reason to go to the hospital after your car accident is to have your injuries recorded on a medical report. Whether you plan to utilize your own car insurance coverage or you intend to file a lawsuit against the other driver, you will need to have a well-documented medical record as a piece of evidence. This will help determine how much money you will receive in damages for your injuries.
You Could End Up with Nothing
If you do not have any medical care after your accident or if you wait too long, it is possible that you will receive no money for your damages. If you let your injuries linger for too long, the legal representation for the other driver could argue that your pain is not directly caused by the accident. They could try to say that you hurt yourself in a different way since the accident. Since you have no documentation of your injuries, they could win the case, leaving you with nothing.
If you are injured in a car accident, it is crucial that you go to the hospital afterward. Taking an ambulance ride can be intimidating, so you can always have a friend or family member take you if that makes you more comfortable. For more information, talk to a company like Zavodnick, Perlmutter & Boccia LLC.
After I was involved in a car accident, I knew that I couldn't go on doing my normal routine. I could barely walk, much less work, which is why I started to panic when the medical bills started rolling in. I began thinking about what I could do to make things right, and I realized that I really needed to work with a lawyer. I began talking with my lawyer about getting the compensation I needed, and he was instrumental in helping me to heal emotionally and financially. Check out this blog for great tips on working with an accident and injury attorney.