Car accidents can result in a varying degree of injuries, from minor to severe. Some injuries may not show any symptoms until days or even weeks after an accident, which is why seeking medical care is always an important first step. Not only is this vital for your health and overall recovery, it is also necessary to create a solid case for any personal injury claims you may need to pursue.
By taking the time to prioritize care after a wreck, your healing and financial recovery will be much more successful.
Make Health a Priority
Even if you don’t notice any immediate aches or pains after a car accident, it is still important to visit a doctor to make sure nothing more serious is going on. Many people put off seeing their primary care provider because they tell themselves their injury will heal on its own, or they may believe that they are tough enough to manage the injury on themselves. Despite any stoic intentions, this mindset can lead to worsened injuries and the possible development of complications down the road. When it comes to your health, it isn’t worth taking any risks. No matter what your perception of the injury is, it is always best to consult with a medical professional after a car accident.
Find the Right Provider
You can always start with your primary care physician after an accident to get the immediate help and support you need. It is also a good idea to get evaluated by a doctor that is experienced in car accident injuries and recovery. Certain practitioners will be better able to document your visits, injuries, and treatment to help build a case for your personal injury claim. Every body part is considered a separate potential injury, so it is critical to disclose all areas of pain and discomfort and seek specialized care through referral doctors as needed. This will also strengthen your claim since you will have multiple medical professionals pointing to the same cause and diagnosis.
Be Consistent with Care
By seeking help right away, you can begin recovering faster too. Injuries that may have worsened without medical care can be treated sooner and prevent the development of new symptoms. The next step is to make sure you are following through on any prescribed treatment to recover from your injuries. Even if the methods seem unnecessary and you feel you have recovered fully, sticking to a treatment plan will strengthen your personal injury claim. When you skip appointments or stop prescribed treatment, this can create gaps in your case that can create doubt and questionable cause. To avoid this, simply continue to follow your doctor’s prescribed treatment and work closely with your provider to modify treatment as needed.
Build a Case
Regardless of the severity of a car accident, as a victim you are entitled to financial compensation for your damages and injuries. Insurance companies cannot simply pay out based on your word, though. They require evidence through documentation to prove that your injuries are from the car accident caused by their client. Without the medical expertise and support from a medical professional, it is unlikely that an insurance claim will be able to proceed in your favor. After a car wreck, it is always a good idea to seek medical care right away so there is no lapse in time between the accident and treatment for your injuries. By waiting weeks or months to seek help, there becomes a question of cause for the injury that can be disputed in a personal injury claim. It is never smart to allow these gaps to develop in your case.
Work with a Personal Injury Lawyer
Once you have started working with a doctor and getting treatment, it is important to seek legal support for your personal injury claim. Personal injury lawyers have the education and expertise to help you recover financially from a car accident and can support you throughout the claims process. It can be a challenging time if you are experiencing pain and suffering from the accident, but with a personal injury attorney on your side, you never have to navigate this alone. Hohaia Law is here to help you get the help you need after a car accident.