Being involved in a car accident can be a scary and overwhelming situation. At the scene, there is bound to be a lot going on.
After an accident, you may feel fine and refuse medical treatment on-site. However, it is smart to go to the doctor or urgent care center for a full evaluation. Learn about the importance of medical treatment after a car accident here.
The possibility of hidden injuries
When you are involved in a car accident, your body sends adrenaline through your bloodstream. This is what activates the “fight or flight” response, and it often masks pain. Unfortunately, the effects of this can last a while.
Not only that, but some injuries don’t appear immediately. Hidden injuries can take days or longer to appear; by the time you know about them, you may have experienced serious trauma. With immediate medical care, these injuries can be found and treated.
Some of the most common hidden injuries that occur after a car accident include the following:
- Neck injuries
- Brain injuries
- Back injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal damage
While some injuries aren’t severe and don’t require extensive treatment, others may require immediate intervention and even surgery. If you fail to seek medical care, the situation that could have been easily resolved may become life-threatening.
Protect your right to file a personal injury claim
When you seek medical attention right after a car accident, it also helps to protect your right to file a personal injury claim. If you wait too long, the at-fault party’s insurance company may claim you were not injured or that your injuries were not caused by the accident.
Knowing your legal rights is an important part of a car accident claim; however, you must also take steps to protect your health. The best way to do this is by seeking medical treatment right after an accident.
