Going to the Doctor After a Car Accident
If you’ve been in a car accident whether it’s a minor or major accident it is advisable to visit a doctor immediately. Even a checkup could uncover injuries which you incurred due to the accident that you weren’t aware of. A delay in medical treatment following a car accident could greatly reduce your compensation or make it difficult to get any compensation from your insurance company or a law suit.
If you are unable to visit a doctor immediately following the car accident and the injuries are minor you should make an appointment within 72 hours. Waiting longer than 72 hours after the accident could result in a denial of your insurance claim. Seeing a doctor immediately will also help ensure compensation for pain and suffering should you hire a personal injury attorney.
What if Injuries Do Not Show Up Right Away
The force of a car accident can often cause extended injuries that may not show themselves right away. Internal bleeding, concussions, and even fractured bones may not show symptoms immediately following a car accident. From minor to major accidents, even fender benders can lead to injuries which could require medical care.
When experiencing a car accident our bodies will release adrenaline and endorphins which cause the body to block out pain as well as energize us. This can make it difficult to feel how bad the injuries are until much later. Other injuries may not even show symptoms until several days later. The force of a car accident – coming to a sudden stop or being jolted around – can put strain on joints, ligaments, and muscles that may not cause problems right away.
Don’t Accept a Settlement Too Soon
This makes it even more important to visit a doctor immediately following an accident. Having a full medical checkup will ensure you qualify for reimbursement from your insurance company or from a law suit.
Prior to signing the release of any claims or settlements you should be fully evaluated by a doctor. In some cases, after your initial doctor’s visit, you may need to wait a few weeks before agreeing to any settlement or compensation presented by the adjuster in case any injuries become worse or more issues present themselves at a later time.
Your doctor, during the initial visit, should be able to better advise you on how long you should wait following the first exam.
Get Assistance With Your Personal Injury Case in New Port Richey, Florida
If you have been injured in an accident the best thing that you can do is to reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney who can provide a more accurate estimate. They will also be able to help explain the process of the suit and the steps that need to be taken to get started.