It can be easy to brush off medical attention after a car accident. There are so many other things to worry about after an accident, from insurance to temporary transportation.
But seeking medical care immediately after a car accident could be one of the most important things someone can do, for their health and safety, but also for any potential legal claims that might lay ahead. After all, not all injuries are visible. So even if everything seems fine, it’s a safe bet to get checked out.
There are two main reasons to seek medical treatment after a car accident, even if it seems like the accident was free of injuries. First, it never hurts to receive an exam from a medical professional to confirm that either no injuries are present or confirm that something might need attention. Second, when car accidents lead to legal claims, medical records are critical components of a case.
Documenting an individual’s physical state immediately following an accident provides a vital baseline. Some injuries, like whiplash or a concussion, may worsen over time. Others may not be visible at the scene, but turn up when imaging is used to detect internal injuries like bleeding or fractures.
Adrenaline and shock may also mask pain associated with injuries, which means neck or back pain for example may not settle in until the hours or days that follow an accident. A thorough examination will provide a record of how pain or injury immediately presents and, if applicable, progresses over time.
Seeking medical care after a car accident, when it seems like there are so many other things that need to be handled, is a priority. However, individuals do have a choice in where they seek care. Deciding between a visit to an urgent care or an emergency room can depend on geography, but there are a few ways to know for sure which one is best.
The choice generally boils down to the severity of an injury, and documentation from an emergency room will be valuable in a legal case.
If you’ve been in a car accident and you have back, neck or head pain, head to the emergency room. If you hit your head or if you lost consciousness in the accident, or if you feel dizzy, confused or nauseous, the emergency room is your best bet. Severe pain, numbness and tingling is also a sign that you should visit the emergency room.
An urgent care visit after a car accident is better reserved for symptoms like minor aches, bruises and cuts.
If you are unsure of your injuries, it’s best for your health to have a thorough exam at an emergency room, as many injuries aren’t visible and need further testing and scans to identify and treat.
Most importantly, an examination at an emergency room immediately after an accident connects any injuries you’ve sustained to the accident itself. A delay in medical treatment could create some ambiguity as it relates to the cause of the injuries. In fact, insurance companies often question injury claims when there is a delay in treatment.
Immediate medical attention, with doctor’s notes, imaging scans and labs, creates a vital paper trail for personal injury claims. As an experienced personal injury firm, we’ve seen it over and over again.
One thing we’ve also seen is the value of records from follow-up appointments. When coupled with accident evidence and initial medical evaluations, those follow-up records help when damages are being calculated.
Documentation is one of the most valuable assets of a personal injury claim. So it’s important to keep track of everything you can, from the moment of the accident to the time damages are disbursed. At Torgenson Law, we encourage our personal injury clients to gather and retain as much documentation as possible, including:
If that sounds overwhelming, that’s natural. When you hire a personal injury lawyer, like the professionals at Torgenson Law, the legal team will help you keep track of everything you need.
No one should go up against corporate attorneys alone. The team at Torgenson Law is here to support you through this process, ensuring your best interests are represented. If you’ve been involved in a car accident, reach out to our team today.
John Torgenson is a highly experienced personal injury lawyer with over 20 years of practice in Arizona. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah and his Juris Doctor from Notre Dame. John has a proven track record of securing substantial verdicts and settlements, including an $8.25 million recovery for a gunshot injury victim. His expertise has earned him AVVO ratings and recognition as a Super Lawyer.
John is also a sought-after lecturer on personal injury law, sharing his extensive knowledge with peers and aspiring attorneys. Beyond his legal practice, John is an avid golfer and actively supports organizations like the Military Assistance Mission, Arizona School for the Arts, Page Balloon Regatta, University of Arizona Foundation, Junior Achievement of Arizona, and the Tim Huff Pro Bono Golf Classic.
Passionate about advocating for injury victims, John dedicates his career to battling insurance companies and corporate interests, ensuring that the rights of those who are hurt are vigorously defended.
