After a crash, you may believe you’re fine, but your endorphins can mask pain. Many people wonder, “Should I go to the hospital after a car accident even if I’m not hurt?”
The short answer is yes. Adrenaline produced in response to stress can mask injuries, so you should seek immediate medical attention after a car accident. You may have injuries that are not visible, or your symptoms may not be apparent immediately after the accident occurs.
Seeking medical care can also help you establish a record of your injuries and connect them to the collision. A Lafayette car accident lawyer can help you prove the cause and severity of your injuries using your medical records so you can seek compensation.
What to Do When Visiting the Hospital After an Accident
If you go to the hospital after an auto accident, even when you don’t feel hurt, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Tell the Doctor About the Accident: Inform the medical professionals that you were in a car crash so they can check for accident-related injuries.
- Be Thorough About Symptoms: Mention all discomfort, even if it seems minor. This can help doctors identify hidden injuries.
- Follow Medical Advice: Follow through with recommended tests, treatments, or referrals to specialists. Even minor injuries can escalate when not treated properly.
Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.
ClientCommon Injuries that May Not Show Immediate Symptoms
Some injuries you sustain in a car accident might be immediately visible, including cuts, scrapes, scars, broken bones, and any other injury that breaks your skin or leaves visible bruising.
The police at the scene of the accident can summon emergency medical technicians to treat these injuries or to transport you to the nearest hospital by ambulance.
You might also sustain injuries that are not readily visible after a car accident. If you notice aches, pains, or other injury symptoms in the days that follow the collision, see your doctor or go to the emergency room right away.
Several injuries commonly go unnoticed after a car accident. These include:
- Whiplash: Often caused by rear-end collisions, whiplash can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
- Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, or confusion.
- Internal Bleeding: Internal injuries occur in the abdominal area or chest and may not show symptoms until they’re severe.
- Herniated Disc: Back injuries resulting from the impact may cause pain that develops later.
- Soft Tissue Injury: Damage to muscles, tendons, or ligaments may become noticeable only after the body begins to heal.
Even minor car accidents can lead to severe injuries. It is best to visit a hospital or urgent care center to evaluate your medical needs.
I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientHow Seeking Medical Attention Protects Your Legal Rights
If another driver caused the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. By seeking medical attention immediately after a car accident, even if you’re not hurt, you can:
- Document Your Injuries: A medical record establishes proof of your injuries and their connection to the accident.
- Strengthen Your Claim: Medical records can be used by your personal injury attorney to show the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life.
- Avoid Insurance Company Tactics: Insurance companies may argue that a delay in treatment means your injuries aren’t serious. Visiting the hospital right away prevents this argument.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientWhat Happens if You Skip Medical Treatment?
If you don’t seek medical care after an accident, you could face several potential consequences:
- Worsening Injuries: Without treatment, hidden injuries could become more severe and harder to treat.
- Weakened Legal Claim: Failing to seek immediate medical care can give the insurance company an excuse to deny or reduce your claim.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Untreated injuries may lead to higher medical costs in the future, which could have been avoided with early intervention.
They treated us like no other people would. Whenever we needed something they were there for us. I put my trust in them and I don’t regret it.
ClientTrack the Cost of Treating Your Car Accident Injuries
The medical care you require after a car accident might be costly and extensive. If our legal team is able to prove your injuries occurred because of the at-fault driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for these medical expenses.
Your medical care may include:
- Initial treatment and stabilization
- Diagnostic tests and procedures
- Intravenous and prescription medications
- Necessary surgical procedures
- Assistive devices
- Therapy and rehabilitation
If you require medical or domestic help at home because of your car accident injuries, these costs might be recoverable, as well. In addition to your medical care costs, the at-fault driver might also be required to compensate you for income loss, property damage, and pain and suffering.
We can go over the damages in your case and help you determine how much and what kind of compensation to seek.
Calculating Non-Economic Car Accident Damages
Because non-economic damages do not have the fixed price tag of economic damages, they may be difficult to value on your own. Your non-economic recoverable damages may include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Disability or impairment
- Mental and emotional trauma
Non-economic damages might also include loss of society, companionship, and consortium. Our firm can guide you through the process of defining and valuing your non-economic damages when assigning a monetary amount to your lawsuit.
File Your Compensation Lawsuit Right Away
Because filing a lawsuit is a time-sensitive endeavor, you should seek representation sooner rather than later. With early involvement, our Lafayette personal injury lawyers can:
- Ensure compliance with the statute of limitations in your state.
- Interview witnesses while the accident details are fresh.
- Conduct an independent investigation, if needed.
- Negotiate for a favorable monetary settlement.
Do not wait to seek medical attention or legal help if you hope to collect damages from the at-fault driver.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
Our experienced attorneys understand the challenges accident victims face, even after minor car accidents. If you’ve been hurt in a motor vehicle accident, our experienced lawyers can:
- Review Your Medical Records: We’ll use your records to prove your injuries were caused by the crash.
- Negotiate With Insurance Companies: Our attorneys know the tactics insurers use to reduce or deny claims, and we’ll fight to get you full compensation.
- Pursue Compensation for All Damages: This includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Contact Laborde Earles Today
Even if you feel fine after an automobile accident, you should still seek medical attention to protect your health and your legal rights. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Laborde Earles are here to help.
We’ve recovered over $1 billion for our clients and can guide you through the process of seeking compensation for your injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can assist you.
