When you get involved in an accident, your top priority should be seeking medical treatment. Delaying proper medical treatment after being hurt in a crash means jeopardizing your health and personal injury claim. An auto accident is often confusing and overwhelming for victims, as they are unsure how to find proper medical treatment. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Get Emergency Medical Treatment
In a serious car accident, the victims can require emergency treatment for their injuries. Sometimes the injuries are so serious or happen in a remote area that the victim may need an expensive air ambulance to take them to the nearest hospital. Even ground ambulances can be expensive.
In some cases, the injuries might not appear to need emergency care; however, the symptoms may get worse over time. For example, it is possible that the victim of the accident does not feel any pain or there are no immediate signs of an injury. If that is the case, seeing a doctor for a check-up after the accident is a safe choice.
Some car accident victims refuse to get ER services because of the costs. However, driving to a hospital to avoid ambulance costs or delaying getting a medical check-up can result in health complications. Even though your injuries might not be apparent, ER paramedics are trained to diagnose and recognize injuries that need attention. They can treat you before your symptoms worsen.
Don’t Just Rely on the ER Doctor
In some car accident cases, the initial tests to diagnose the injuries may not be conclusive, and more tests may be required. If you think your injuries need attention, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion.
Getting a second opinion on your injuries and their treatment can give you more confidence in the treatment you are receiving. For example, if you need surgery for your injuries, you can seek a specialist’s opinion to confirm if it is the right step for you.
Another doctor’s opinion can also positively impact your personal injury claim. The insurance company might ask you to submit to an IME (independent medical examination) for confirmation of the extent of your injuries.
Keep Getting Treatment Until Instructed Otherwise
The expense and hassle of prolonged medical treatment is not an inviting thought; however, it might be necessary in some cases.
You should continue to get medical treatment until you reach maximum recovery and you are told by a professional that you no longer need treatment.
Refusing medical care before you recover completely can prevent you from recovering, making it difficult for you to regain your health.
Complete All Your Medical Follow-Ups
Leaving gaps in your medical treatment could make your injuries last longer and require prolonged and expensive medical treatment because it can become challenging to deal with aggravated injuries.
In addition, any gaps in your medical treatment can let the insurance provider downplay your injuries and offer a devalued settlement. Therefore, to fully recover and get reimbursed for your damages, it is crucial to adhere to your doctor’s recommendations and complete all follow-ups to your treatment.
See a Doctor After The Accident
There are many reasons why it is important to see a car injury doctor right away after getting into a car crash. First, serious injuries such as any injury to the spine or head require immediate treatment, and any delay can worsen your condition.
Second, one of the requirements of your personal injury case is that you have proof of your medical treatment due to the accident. You should visit a doctor immediately after the accident if you want to be reimbursed for your medical bills and other expenses.
Typically insurance companies require policyholders to see a doctor within 72 hours after they have been injured in a car accident. Failure to do so can negatively impact your personal injury claim.
Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney
Car accidents can be traumatic experiences that can leave you overwhelmed and confused about how to get proper medical treatment. You can seek assistance from an attorney to guide you through the process.
Suppose you have any legal questions, such as whether you should seek a second doctor’s opinion or how the gaps in your medical treatment would impact your injury claim. In that case, you can consult a personal injury attorney.
Your attorney can negotiate the settlement with the insurance provider of the liable party. They can also offer you representation in court if you end up suing the at-fault party. In addition, an experienced personal injury attorney would gather documentation and additional evidence to help you obtain compensation while you focus on your recovery.