The Value of Getting Medical Help Following a Car Accident
Being in a car accident can be a scary and overwhelming experience. Even if you feel fine initially, it is crucial that you get examined by a doctor as soon as possible after the collision. There are some very important reasons why you need to get medical help and not decline it if emergency services suggest you go to the hospital.
Hidden Injuries Are Common
One of the most common mistakes people make after a crash is assuming they weren’t really hurt because they feel alright. However, the adrenaline and shock factor from the accident often mask symptoms of internal injuries. There may be bleeding, organ damage, fractures, or serious soft tissue injuries that don’t cause immediate pain but can become life-threatening over time. Getting a thorough medical evaluation is the only way to rule out hidden damage. Your car accident attorney Chicago will guide you to do the same.
Insurance Claims Depend on Documented Injuries
If you want to file an insurance claim or lawsuit to recover damages like medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc., then you must have all of your diagnoses and treatments documented in your medical records. Skipping the hospital visit means you have no proof of your injuries later on. Insurance companies will try to deny claims that lack documented medical evidence and injury reports. Don’t jeopardize your chance at fair compensation by refusing an ambulance ride or check-up.
Delayed Treatment Leads to Worse Outcomes
Some types of injuries, like spine or brain trauma, can worsen over hours or days without proper emergency care. Internal bleeding that isn’t stopped quickly enough can also cause severe, irreversible harm or even death in extreme cases. Waiting to get your symptoms checked out could allow preventable complications and increased impairment. Early intervention gives you the best chance of full recovery, so don’t gamble with your health by putting off that trip to the ER.
Soft Tissue Damage Needs Early Intervention
Whiplash, sprains, muscle tears, and contusions may seem minor at first but still deserve prompt medical care. Swelling and inflammation will get worse without treatment, leading to restricted movement, stiffness, chronic pain, and lengthy healing. Getting anti-inflammatory meds, icing the injury, immobilization, and other first aid right away minimizes these effects. Don’t tough it out and assume it will just get better on its own later. Early action is key.
Establish Crash-Relatedness for Ongoing Care
Even if the ER clears you and says you only have minor bruises or strains, that hospital visit still links the diagnosis to the car accident on record. This will be useful for coverage if those issues flare up later and you need extended doctor’s appointments, physical therapy, surgery, or other care. Having a paper trail demonstrating the crash caused your medical problems makes it much easier to get the at-fault driver’s insurance company to cover associated costs. Work with one of the reputed Naperville car accident lawyers throughout to avoid hassle.
Don’t Hesitate – Prioritize Post-Accident Medical Care
As you can see, promptly getting checked by a doctor after any vehicle collision is extremely beneficial, regardless of how relatively minor it may seem. Ignoring symptoms or putting off an ER trip out of inconvenience, nervousness over bills, or simply feeling alright at the time can negatively impact your physical recovery, insurance claim, and ultimate well-being. Make looking after your health the top priority.