You’ve been in an auto accident. Due to the adrenaline rush, you are not sure if you have been injured. One of the most important things you should do is see a doctor as soon as possible. Many people make the mistake of either delaying medical treatment or not seeking treatment at all. Even if you feel fine at the scene of the accident, you likely will never know the full extent of your injuries until you see a doctor. Additionally, delaying or avoiding medical treatment entirely may affect any civil case you may have against the at-fault driver.
Reasons why it’s critical to see a doctor immediately after an accident of any type:
1.You may be injured and not know it.
You may feel fine moments after an accident because the adrenaline rush can block the pain and mask certain symptoms. Depending on the type of injuries you sustained, the symptoms may take hours or days to appear. It is always a good idea to see a doctor and let his or her medical team evaluate your injuries. Also, in Texas, most emergency providers are required to provide treatment without assurance of payment such as health insurance or out-of-pocket pay.
2. Lack of treatment may cause your injury to worsen.
Despite popular belief, delaying treatment can actually worsen certain muscular and bone-related injuries. A person should not “let the injury heal on its own” unless a medical provider has advised so. When treatment of an injury is delayed, the injury continue affecting your health far into the future. This means you could be facing higher treatment expenses, more pain, and in certain cases, you will eventually need more invasive medical procedures than if you had sought treatment soon after your accident. Seeking early treatment can increase your chances of achieving a full recovery and minimize unnecessary medical costs.
3. Delay may result in an insurance company having an advantage over you.
If you have been injured due to someone else’s fault, there is the possibility that there is some sort of insurance to cover the claim. For example, if someone rear-ended you, they may have liability insurance to pay for your medical expenses and lost wages or if you sustained a dog bite, it may be that a homeowner’s policy applies to cover your damages. A common insurance company tactic is to point out that a person “waited too long” to go to the doctor to imply that the person was not truly injured. Some people may buy into that argument, which is why a person should not wait to be checked out by a medical provider.
4. Medical records will act as evidence of your injuries.
When you file a claim with an insurance company, you will be asked to include medical records and documentation of your injuries and lost wages. Likewise, if you file a lawsuit for injuries, medical records will support evidence of injury in front of a judge or jury. Having those medical records can help improve your chances of recovering the compensation you need.
Experienced Accident Lawyers in Austin Here for You
At Pastrana & Garcia Injury Law we can guide you through the legal process and help you prepare an effective claim. We have a deep understanding of the claims process, how to prepare claims, and how to deal with insurers. Immediately after you’ve been injured, call us to discuss your next steps.
