Unfortunately, auto accidents can result in severe injuries that require immediate medical attention. Accident victims with severe injuries are transported to the emergency room directly from the accident scene by emergency medical services. However, some accident victims refuse immediate medical treatment because they believe their injuries are not severe or they were not injured in the accident. In this article, our Texas automobile accident attorneys discuss some of the reasons why medical treatment after an accident is a good idea and the steps you should take after being injured in an automobile accident.
Seeking Medical Treatment Protects Your Health
After an automobile accident, victims may be in shock, and they may not realize they were injured. If the injuries are not severe, emergency medical services may not recommend a trip to the emergency room. Therefore, the person may assume that he or she does not need to see a doctor.
Some injuries do not present symptoms for a few hours or days after an accident. For instance, symptoms of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or whiplash may not be immediately noticeable after a crash.
It is usually a wise decision to have a medical examination after an accident. A doctor can diagnose an injury based on the person’s symptoms and diagnostic tests. An accident victim could attribute symptoms of a serious injury to the stress of the accident when in reality the symptoms indicate a serious injury that requires medical treatment. Seeking medical treatment after an accident protects your health and can prevent a minor injury from becoming more serious.
Seeking Medical Treatment Protects Your Right To Recover Compensation For Injuries
Another reason to seek medical attention after an accident is to protect your right to recover compensation for your injuries. If the other driver caused the crash, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries, losses, and damages. However, you must prove you were injured in the accident. An insurance company will not accept your word that you are injured.
Seeking medical treatment is a way to document your injuries for an accident claim. With your medical records, you can prove that you sustained injuries in the accident that resulted in financial losses, pain, and suffering. A delay in medical care is often used by insurance companies to deny or undervalue a valid claim, which is another reason to see a doctor as soon as possible after an auto accident.
What Can You Do After An Auto Accident To Protect Your Legal Rights?
You may be entitled to compensation for your damages if another driver causes an accident that results in injuries and losses. The following information can help you protect your legal rights after an auto accident:
- Seek medical attention. As discussed above, seeing a doctor is a wise decision after an accident.
- Do not admit fault. Saying you are sorry at the accident scene could be interpreted as admitting fault.
- Do not discuss the accident with an insurance adjuster for the other driver, including providing a statement, before you consult with one of our Texas auto accident attorneys.
- Keep copies of all records related to the accident, your injury, and your recovery.
- Avoid posting information online or using social media until you consult with an attorney. The information you share online could hurt your claim.
Contact our Texas personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation. Our Texas auto accident attorneys provide the support, guidance, and legal counsel you need as you recover from injuries sustained in an auto accident.