Why Should You Get Medical Help After a Car Accident?

It may seem obvious that you should seek medical attention if you are injured in a car crash, but the reality is that many injury victims choose not to do so in the immediate aftermath. Some are concerned about the costs of their treatment, while others may be unaware of the extent or severity of their injuries. Unfortunately, forgoing medical treatment can have serious repercussions for both the injury victim’s health and their chances of recovering full compensation in a personal injury claim.

Medical Reasons for Seeking Treatment

Regardless of how minor your injuries may seem, it is a good idea to get examined by a doctor who can help you better understand your condition. Some car accident injuries can be difficult to detect, and many have the potential to become more serious over time. For example:

• What seems like a routine headache could be a sign of a traumatic brain injury like a concussion, which could have lasting physical and mental effects.
• Pain in the chest or abdomen could be a sign of organ damage or other internal injuries, which if left untreated can lead to infection, excessive blood loss, or impairment of bodily functions.
• Pain in the neck, back, or limbs could be a sign of soft tissue injuries, herniated disks, or fractured bones. Without the proper treatment and rehabilitation, these injuries could cause ongoing pain and mobility issues.

For any of these types of injuries, early intervention can be crucial to your ability to make a full or substantial recovery.

Legal Reasons for Seeking Treatment

Getting medical help is not only important for your health and well-being, it can also be crucial to your personal injury case. Insurance providers will look for evidence that connects your injuries to the car accident when settling a claim, and if your case goes to trial, the judge will look for the same kind of evidence. Medical records from a doctor or hospital visit as soon as possible after the accident can help you establish that you did, in fact, sustain your injuries in the crash rather than in some other incident, and that you made every effort to seek treatment.

If you are ever involved in an accident for which you think another party could be at fault, getting medical care is a good idea. In the best-case scenario, you will learn that you have not suffered any serious injuries. In the worst case scenario, you will have a better chance of recovering damages for the injuries you have suffered. And, while you may need to rely on health insurance or out-of-pocket payments to cover the upfront costs of your care, a personal injury settlement or verdict can reimburse you or your provider for these expenses.

Contact a Rockford Car Accident Attorney

Along with getting medical help, hiring an attorney as soon as possible after your accident can help you take the necessary steps to succeed in your pursuit of compensation. At Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of KJS, we will work with you to build your case with evidence of your injuries and the negligence of other drivers and at-fault parties. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Winnebago County personal injury lawyer by calling 815-215-7561.

Source:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=073500050K2-1116