If you are injured in a minor accident, such as a fender bender, it can be tempting to skip going to the doctor or calling 9-1-1 for an ambulance. Maybe you want to tough it out or avoid making a scene, hoping the pain will go away on its own.
Do not make this mistake following a car accident, as it can negatively impact your future claim. Here’s why you should always receive medical attention following a crash, no matter how minor the accident or your injuries may seem to be immediately following the event.
Injuries that May Have Late On-Set Symptoms
Car crashes, even low-impact ones, can generate a lot of force, and not all resulting injuries are immediately apparent after the fact. There are several types of injuries that display late on-set symptoms that may take days, weeks, or even months to become fully apparent. Additionally, the adrenaline rush that kicks in can mask the severity of the pain you are experiencing.
Some injuries that are notorious for delayed symptoms include:
- Soft tissue injuries
- Neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Emotional distress
The Dangers of Waiting to Get Treatment
First and foremost, you need to take care of yourself and your health. Depending on the circumstances of your crash, an ambulance may or may not arrive at the scene to assess your immediate injuries. If emergency responders do not show up, you should get yourself to the nearest emergency room for a medical assessment immediately.
Seeking medical attention in a timely manner is crucial to ensuring you receive fair and full compensation for your losses. The doctor will be able to document all your injuries, symptoms, and the events leading up to your visit in medical records.
This will create a paper trail of your injuries. If you wait an extended period of time to get treated, the insurance company may say there is insufficient evidence to link your injuries to the accident. Ultimately, your claim may be denied if you wait to get medical treatment after a crash.
Protect Your Rights Against the Insurance Company
Medical bills can pile up quickly after a crash. Doctors’ visits, hospital stays, labs and tests, surgery costs, and medications are just some of the expenses that the insurance company will try to avoid paying for.
Seeking medical attention should be your top priority after a crash. Then, you should get in touch with a car accident attorney who can ensure your rights to compensation are protected. At Chris Morrow Law, PLLC, our entire legal team has been committed to protecting the rights of those injured in Austin and across Texas since 1994. We will work hard to ensure you receive what you need to recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
Don’t wait to take action—time is of the essence! Contact our Austin car accident attorneys to speak with our legal team for free today.
