Importance Of Seeking Medical Attention After an Accident

The aftermath of an auto accident can be a tricky thing to navigate for many people. Between the physical and emotional toll, it’s not always easy to know what to do. However, there are a few important steps that should be taken after any kind of accident takes place, especially one that involves a motor vehicle crash.

What to Do After an Accident

 

The first step, naturally, is to exchange information with the other driver in the case of a motor vehicle crash. If no vehicles were involved, it should be reported to an onsite authority figure, like the property owner or the manager of a store.

Next, you’ll want to report it to the police and your insurance company. In some jurisdictions like the state of Texas, failure to report an automobile accident is a misdemeanor offense that could result in license suspension. The insurance company will likely also want pictures of the damage. After this, you’ll want to receive medical attention as soon as possible.

 

The Importance of Seeking Medical Attention Immediately

 

Immediate medical attention can be critical if the case ends up in a court of law. Many cases have been lost because the victim didn’t have the proper medical documentation to back up their claims of injury. Conversely, many cases have been won because the victim was able to present a doctor’s medical opinion that the accident caused an injury.

First, some accident-related injuries may not show symptoms right away but could be revealed through a medical test. If these aren’t found until days or weeks later, it can be difficult to prove that they were caused by the accident and not another event that took place afterward.

On that note, another important reason to seek medical attention immediately is to demonstrate good faith to insurance companies, the court, and the local authorities. If a victim waits too long after the fact, they could be accused of faking or exaggerating an injury to get more money in a settlement.

 

Example

Imagine someone who has been in a car accident that resulted in a mild fracture of their right forearm. They wait three days to visit the doctor after the accident for any number of reasons, justified or otherwise. In that time, they may slip and fall in the shower, which inevitably makes the injury worse.

The doctor can’t say with certainty whether the injury was suffered as a result of the accident or because of the slip and fall in the shower. In turn, the insurance company won’t reimburse the cost of the treatment because of the ambiguity. In court, the other driver’s lawyer will claim that the injury took place in the shower and the victim is lying to get a larger payout.

Conclusion

If you’ve been in a motor vehicle accident, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible to verify any injuries and, ultimately, as a form of self-protection. You’ll also want a good accident lawyer in case it goes to trial.