Car accidents are dangerous events with varying outcomes. The blunt force of a vehicle hitting another vehicle can cause injuries, with a range of severity, to the drivers and passengers. Not all outcomes are also apparent at the time of the accident. Some injuries that are caused by the accident are not detectable until hours or days after the crash. So, you might be wondering, what happens if an injury from a car accident does not show up until later?
What are your options if you have an injury that you only discovered after you went home from an accident?
You may have been involved in a car accident, reported the incident to the police, and went home without receiving medical attention, only to discover within days that you have an injury that needs medical care and treatment. Injuries that commonly show up within hours or days after an accident include concussions, back injuries, and soft tissue injuries. These injuries can cause significant disruptions in life.
The best step after discovering that you might be injured after a car accident is to receive a medical evaluation for your symptoms and injuries. If you are unsure whether you are injured or not based on a certain amount of pain and discomfort, and are questioning whether or not you should really go to the doctor, it is still critical to receive medical attention. A doctor can determine to what extent you are injured and prescribe the appropriate tests, medication, and treatment for your symptoms.
What happens if I do not go to the doctor after an accident?
In the event that you want to make a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company to receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering that you endured as a result of the accident, you will want to show that you have medical documentation that proves your claim. If you do not seek medical care and make an injury claim, it will be difficult to provide evidence for your injuries and the insurance company may question whether you are injured at all. If you cannot provide medical documentation for your injuries, you will be unable to obtain any compensation for physical damages associated with the accident.
What else should I do aside from going to the doctor after an accident?
The next step to protect your rights is to contact an experienced attorney who can communicate with the insurance company on your behalf and represent you and your claim. Once you receive medical attention and file an injury claim with an attorney representing you, you will be in the best position to obtain the compensation you deserve.
Why choose Clayton Trial Lawyers for your Personal Injury Lawsuit
Clayton Trial Lawyers can protect your rights and make sure valuable evidence is not destroyed. Often, insurance companies want to take statements immediately after an accident; therefore, it is important that you have received legal advice before providing such a statement. Your attorney can advise you on issues ranging from how to make sure you are fully compensated for your vehicle to how to make sure you are getting the best medical treatment available.