A car accident is an overwhelming and traumatic experience that leaves you shaken physically, emotionally, and mentally. In the aftermath of a car crash, it is very easy to be overwhelmed by the chaos and confusion that comes from a car accident. As Salt Lake City car accident attorneys we understand how difficult the first hours and days of a car accident can be; however, if there is one action you should take that should not be lost in the chaos it is to seek immediate medical treatment.
In the days after a car accident it can be easy to let your health take a back seat while you focus on what to do with your vehicle, setting up an insurance claim, and the other headaches that arise with a car accident. While these steps are all important, it is crucial that you prioritize your health by obtaining medical care as soon as possible, even if you may feel fine after the accident. In this article, our team of the best car accident lawyers in Salt Lake City will be exploring why it is crucial that you seek medical attention after you have been in a car accident.
Hidden Injuries
When you have been in a car accident your body will let out a rush of endorphins that cause adrenaline. These endorphins help to keep you awake and alert after a car accident, but they can also hide the symptoms of several underlying injuries.
Endorphins are strong and can fully cover up the pain that comes from a car accident, at least for a few days. Some injuries, such as whiplash, soft tissue damage, or even some internal injuries, may not manifest some immediate symptoms. Typically after a crash your body takes one to two days to settle, and this is when you will begin to feel the full symptoms of your injuries. If you seek immediate medical attention, a healthcare professional will conduct a series of thorough examinations and diagnostic tests that will detect injuries that may otherwise go unnoticed. This examination ensures early intervention and can greatly help your recovery process.
Document Your Injuries
If you are pursuing a personal injury claim against an insurance company you will have to demonstrate the extent of your damages by providing evidence. An insurance company will try their hardest to minimize the payment that they give you and will scrutinize your injuries to try and pay as little as possible. This is where injury documentation becomes so important.
Seeking medical treatment not only helps you recover from your injuries, but it also becomes the primary piece of evidence for your injuries. When you receive medical care your doctor or medical provider will create medical records that document your treatment, the severity of your injuries, and your pain levels. These documents illustrate how severe the injuries you received from your accident, and establish a direct link between your car accident and the injuries you have received, strengthening your personal injury claim.
Medical Treatment Helps Establish Causation
In personal injury cases an insurance company will try their best to find any flaws in your case and one way they do this is by questioning where an injury truly came from. This is why it is important to establish a clear link between the accident and your injuries. When you seek immediate medical attention it bolsters your case by establishing a direct connection between the collision and the injuries that you sustained.
A delay in your treatment can be seen as a potential red flag while an insurance adjuster is viewing the details of your case. A gap between the date of your accident and the first date of your treatment can be seen as a sign that your injuries were not as severe as you claimed. This is why it is critical to seek medical treatment as soon as possible after your accident as it can hurt your personal injury case.
Preventing Future Complications With Your Injury
Another important reason to seek medical treatment immediately is to prevent any further complications of injuries. An injury that has been left untreated can be reaggravated, or can worsen over time potentially leading to further injuries. This can lead to potential chronic pain, limited mobility, and other serious long term complications. Getting an early medical evaluation can help to mitigate these risks, and ensure that you receive timely treatment and guidance that results in a much smoother recovery process.
Demonstrating Due Diligence
When you seek medical care promptly after a car crash and you don’t miss appointments it demonstrates responsible behavior on your part. This responsibility usually pays off as insurance companies and legal teams can view delays or missing treatment dates as an indication that your injuries are not as serious as you have claimed. By prioritizing your health and seeking the medical attention that you need immediately, you display a commitment to your well being and greatly bolster your credibility as a claimant.
The aftermath of a car accident can have dramatic long lasting effects on your life, leading to difficult changes in your life. After an accident do not forget that your health and wellbeing is your top priority.
If you or someone you know has been injured by someone else’s negligence do not suffer alone. Call the best car accident lawyers in Salt Lake City at LifeLaw Trial Lawyers for a free consultation. Our team of expert car accident lawyers will work tirelessly to build your case and get you the compensation you deserve while you focus on what’s really important, your recovery. Give us a call today to get the help you deserve!
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