When you are involved in a car accident, understanding how to proceed is critical. After quickly assessing yourself, you may feel okay. As such, you may start normal proceedings following a collision, like exchanging insurance information, taking photos, and talking to the police. However, as the day progresses, you may start to feel worse. As such, understanding the importance of getting medical treatment is critical. The following blog explores why it’s imperative to see a doctor following a collision, even if you feel okay. Additionally, you’ll learn how an Ouachita Parish, Louisiana personal injury attorney can help fight for you.
Why Do I Need to See a Doctor After an Injury?
When you are in a car accident, it’s important to understand what happens to your body. Your body will release adrenaline, which controls the “fight or flight” response. Essentially, you’ll find that this can mask any pain you would feel from injuries sustained, so you can assess the situation and do damage control. Over time, however, the adrenaline will wear off and you can find yourself in immense pain with serious injuries.
As such, it is imperative to seek medical treatment as soon as possible following an accident. You should allow the emergency medical technicians at the scene to examine you for any injuries you may not feel as a result of the adrenaline.
Similarly, if you are cleared by the EMTs, it’s important to understand that injuries can develop later, like concussions. You may feel okay for a few hours or days before symptoms set in. You should see your doctor in the days following a collision, as this can help you establish medical care and examine you for any symptoms or signs you may not recognize to be serious. Even if you feel okay, your doctor will want to note in your medical history that you were involved in the collision.
Do I Need to Go to the Hospital?
Unfortunately, many people are afraid of the cost associated with a hospital visit. As such, they may decline to go to the emergency room following a collision. If this represents your circumstances, it’s important to understand your options. If you do not go to the hospital, you run the risk of your injuries becoming significantly worse as they may go untreated. At the very least, if you decline to go to the hospital, you should see your primary care provider as soon as possible. As mentioned, some injuries may not immediately present themselves, so it’s critical to ensure you have been treated by a doctor who is aware of your circumstances.
If you do not go to the hospital or receive any treatment for the injuries you’ve sustained, it can have a serious impact on your claim. The defendant can argue that you failed to mitigate damages by seeking medical treatment, thus making you partially negligent for the damage you’ve endured. As such, your damages may be reduced by your percentage of fault in the collision.
When you’re hurt, our team at Breithaupt, DuBos, & Wolleson, our dedicated team will do everything possible to assist you through these complicated matters. Connect with us today to learn how we can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
