Unfortunately, there are many reasons someone may be hesitant to receive medical care after a collision. Whether someone is worried about the cost of an ambulance ride or they are not yet feeling pain, those involved in an accident may decline care. However, it is critical to see a doctor following a car accident in California for several reasons, which will be explored more in depth below. If you were injured in a collision, the following blog explores why you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Additionally, you will discover why connecting with our Irvine car accident lawyers is critical.
Familiarizing yourself with the most common injuries sustained in car accidents may prove helpful one day. Studies estimate that around three million people per year suffer injuries from collisions in the United States in accidents ranging from minor fender-benders to accidents that leave vehicles totaled. As such, being able to recognize the injuries you may sustain is vital to receiving the correct care. Some of the most common injuries include:
When involved in a car accident, your body will likely go into shock as you fill with adrenaline. As a result, any pain may be masked, meaning you may feel physically uninjured even though you actually are injured. As such, if you are involved in a car accident, it is in your best interest to let the emergency medical technicians examine you at the collision scene. They can determine if you sustained serious injuries that require immediate medical attention.
If the EMTs assess you and determine that you are okay, it is still recommended to schedule an appointment with your doctor in the days after the accident. Your doctor will likely want to re-examine you, as some injuries may not appear immediately, like concussions. Similarly, based on any symptoms that develop, they may want to send you for diagnostic imaging to ensure you are healthy. If your doctor discovers an injury, they can create a treatment plan to help you heal.
In addition to ensuring that you are in good health and any injuries you have sustained are treated, seeking medical treatment can help if you wish to seek compensation for damages you have endured. Unfortunately, if you do not seek medical treatment at the accident scene or in the days following the date of injury, the negligent driver can claim your injuries are not severe since you did not need treatment. Failing to go to the doctor or skipping appointments is one of the easiest ways to hurt your case. Similarly, they may argue that you contributed to your injuries because you did not mitigate your injuries by going to a doctor.
As you can see, obtaining medical treatment following an accident is critical, even if you feel okay. Once you see a doctor, it is in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney from California Personal Injury Law Firm, APC, who can help you through these complex matters. Connect with our team today to learn more.
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