The aftermath can be confusing and stressful if you are involved in a California car accident. You may just want to go home and forget about the day.
If you feel fine, you may think that medical treatment is unnecessary. However, most doctors recommend seeking treatment immediately after an accident. There are a few reasons you should do this.
You may have suffered “hidden injuries”
A hidden injury does not produce immediate symptoms. This can occur because it is not that bad at first or because of the adrenaline released in your body after an accident.
Your body’s “fight or flight” response is activated when you are involved in a high-stress situation. This releases adrenaline, which can mask aches and pains. In fact, it may take hours, days or even weeks to notice an injury.
When you seek medical treatment immediately after an accident, a doctor can run the needed diagnostic tests to find hidden injuries and ensure treatment is provided. This can prevent the injury from getting worse or becoming life-threatening.
Documentation showing the severity of the injury
When you seek medical treatment, a “paper trail” is created. The documentation helps to link your injuries to the accident.
Also, the documents and treatment plan provided by your doctor will show how severe your injuries are and the extent of the treatment you need.
All this can be used as evidence when you file a car accident claim and seek compensation from the at-fault driver.
If you wait to seek medical treatment, the insurance company for the other party may claim your injury is not as serious as you claim or was not caused by the accident.
Protecting your health, wellness and right to compensation
After an accident, you must protect your health, wellness and right to compensation. Seeking medical treatment immediately is one of the most effective ways to do this.