Car accidents can be a traumatic experience, often resulting in serious injuries. It is crucial to seek medical attention immediately after an accident, even if you think you’re okay. Our team has helped clients for many years, and we know the importance of obtaining medical treatment after a car accident and will explain below why it should be a top priority if you are ever in a crash.
Why you should never assume you are unhurt after a car accident
After a car accident, it’s common for people to feel shaken up but not necessarily in pain. The lack of immediate pain can lead victims to the false assumption that they are unhurt. However, the shock of the accident can trick your body into masking pain and other symptoms.
Here’s why you should never assume you’re unhurt:
Adrenaline Masks Pain: Adrenaline is a hormone that prepares your body for fight or flight situations, like a car accident. It increases your heart rate, dilates your blood vessels, and suppresses pain signals in your body. This means that you might not feel pain immediately after the accident, but as the adrenaline wears off, pain and other symptoms may begin to appear.
Delayed Onset of Symptoms: Many injuries, particularly those involving soft tissues and the brain may not manifest symptoms until hours or even days after the accident.
Some examples of these injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Concussions
- Contusions
- Sprains and strains
The slow onset of symptoms does not mean these injuries are less severe or costly. In fact, they can result in significant pain, high medical expenses, and other losses.
The Benefits of seeing medical treatment immediately after a car accident
It is strongly recommended that accident victims get a medical exam as soon as possible after a crash.
There are several benefits to doing so, such as:
- Early Diagnosis and Treatment: By seeking medical treatment immediately, you increase the chances of early diagnosis and treatment for any injuries sustained in the accident. Early treatment can lead to a faster recovery and may prevent complications from developing later.
- Documentation of Injuries: Obtaining a medical evaluation after a car accident creates a record of your injuries and their severity. This documentation can be crucial if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim or need to provide evidence for insurance purposes.
- Protecting Your Legal Rights: If you decide to pursue a personal injury claim, having a medical treatment record immediately after the accident can strengthen your case. It demonstrates that you took the appropriate steps to address your injuries and that they were directly caused by the accident.
Post-Car Accident Checklist: Essential Steps to Follow
To ensure that you receive the proper care and protect your legal rights after a car accident, follow these steps:
- Call 911: Report the accident to the authorities and request medical assistance if needed.
- Exchange Information: Collect contact and insurance information from the other parties involved in the accident.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Seek Medical Attention: Visit a healthcare professional as soon as possible, even if you feel fine at the time.
- Consult a Car Accident Lawyer: Speak with an experienced car accident attorney to discuss your legal options and protect your rights.
While all accident victims must seek medical treatment immediately after a car crash, regardless of whether they initially feel pain or not, your health and well-being should always be your top priority after a car accident. Immediate medical attention can help ensure proper diagnosis and treatment of any injuries.
Benefits and advantages of working with an experienced Personal Injury Attorney
Navigating the legal process after a car accident can be overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with injuries and other losses. Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney can make all the difference in ensuring your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.
Here are just a few of the key benefits and advantages of working with a skilled lawyer:
- Knowledge of Personal Injury Law: Personal injury attorneys have extensive knowledge of the legal system and understand the complexities of personal injury law. They can identify relevant laws and statutes that apply to your case and use them to build a strong argument on your behalf.
- Effective Negotiation Skills: Insurance companies often try to minimize their payouts by offering low settlement offers or disputing liability. An experienced attorney knows how to negotiate with insurance adjusters and can help secure a fair and just settlement for your damages.
- Thorough Case Investigation: A skilled personal injury lawyer will thoroughly investigate your case, gathering crucial evidence to establish liability and prove the extent of your injuries. This may include obtaining police reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony.
- Representation in Court: If your case cannot be settled through negotiation, your attorney will be prepared to represent you in court, presenting a compelling case to a judge or jury. Their experience in the courtroom can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
By entrusting your case to a skilled lawyer, you can focus on healing while they work tirelessly to secure the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the accident.
Get the legal assistance you deserve after a car accident
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, don’t hesitate to seek legal help. Reach out to Gary Huntsman Law today for experienced and compassionate representation. Our dedicated team will guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. Call us now to schedule a consultation. We can help you get back on the road to recovery.