A car accident is both a traumatic and overwhelming experience, leaving you shaken physically, emotionally, and mentally. In the aftermath of a crash, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the chaos and the confusion that this causes. However, there is one crucial action that should not be lost in the chaos: seeking immediate medical treatment. If you have been involved in a car accident it can be easy to let your health take a backseat while you figure out what to do with your car, and the other headaches that arise with a car accident. Even so, it is crucial that you prioritize your health by obtaining medical care as soon as possible, even if you feel fine initially. In this article we will be exploring the pivotal reasons why it is vital to seek prompt medical attention after you have been in a car accident.
Hidden Injuries
The fight or flight endorphins that follow a car crash can hide the symptoms of several underlying injuries. Some injuries, such as whiplash, soft tissue damage, or even some internal injuries, may not manifest some immediate symptoms. Often our body settles in after a day or two and we begin to feel the full symptoms of our injuries. If you seek immediate medical attention, a healthcare professional can conduct thorough examinations and diagnostic tests that can detect injuries that may otherwise go unnoticed, this ensures early intervention and can greatly help your recovery process.
Document Your Injuries
When you receive medical care, they will provide you with an official record of your injuries, as well as their severity. This documentation is not only necessary for your well being, but becomes the evidence of your personal injuries, which are required for you to receive a recovery from the adverse insurance company. Take photographs of your injuries including cuts, stitches, scratches, bruising and scarring. Insurance companies place a value on your case by the amount of property damage received, as well as the severity of injuries that you received. By seeking medical treatment your personal injury lawyer will receive detailed medical records that establish the link between the accident and your injuries that you received, strengthening your personal injury claim.
Medical Treatment Helps Establish Causation
In personal injury cases, it is crucial that you establish a clear link between the accident and your injuries. When you seek immediate medical treatment it bolsters your case by establishing a direct connection between the collision and the injuries that you sustained. Your treatment and medical records become evidence and help you receive a settlement to pay for your past and future medical expenses, as well as the pain and suffering associated with your accident. If there are delays in seeking medical attention it may lead to skepticism from the insurance company about the validity of your claim, potentially weakening the case. A gap between the date of your accident and when you begin treatment for that accident can hurt your personal injury case.
Preventing Future Complications With Your Injury
Another reason to seek immediate medical treatment is that injuries left untreated can often worsen over time. This can lead to potential chronic pain, limited mobility, and other long-term complications. Getting an early medical evaluation can help mitigate these risks, ensuring that you received timely treatment and guidance that results in a much smoother recovery process.
Demonstrating Due Diligence
Promptly seeking medical care after a car crash demonstrates responsible behavior on your part. This responsibility usually pays off as insurance companies and legal teams often view delays in seeking treatment as an indication that injuries may not be as severe as you may have claimed. By prioritizing your health and seeking the medical attention you need immediately, you display a commitment to your well being and greatly bolster your credibility.
Safeguarding Your Legal Rights
In Utah the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is four years. Seeking out medical treatment immediately helps maximize the time that you can spend on your case. Failing to do so could potentially jeopardize your ability to seek a fair settlement for your injuries and other ailments from your accident.
The fallout of a car accident can cause long lasting effects on your life, leading to difficult changes in your life. It is important that you keep your health as your top priority. If you or someone you know has been injured, seeking a personal injury lawyers is as crucial to your recovery as medical treatment you receive. The legal professionals at LifeLaw Personal Injury have a team of the best personal injury lawyers in Salt Lake City, and are here to help you through every step of the legal process. Contact us today for a free consultation and to discuss your legal options.