If you’ve been involved in a car accident and begin to feel even slightly “off,” it is important that you seek medical attention immediately.
First, nothing is more important than your health. Car accidents can put a great deal of strain and force on the body, more so than we are meant to handle. Even relatively low-speed collisions can result in some serious injuries, especially side- and rear-impact collisions.
Plus, many of the most common symptoms of injuries that occur in crashes do not show up immediately. There are chemicals in the body that can shield us from pain and discomfort for some time after the accident occurs, so it might be hours or even days before you start to notice symptoms. To that end, at the slightest indication that something doesn’t feel right, visit a medical professional.
Legal reasons to seek medical treatment
Seeking medical treatment after an accident does not just protect your health — it also can benefit you from a legal standpoint.
Insurance companies often assume that if you did not seek medical attention in the immediate aftermath of an accident, you either were not injured severely or were not injured at all. The promptness with which you seek medical attention is one of the factors insurance adjusters will use when evaluating your claim. The more time passes, the more likely the adjuster will think you are faking or milking your injuries.
For more guidance and advice on what you should do after an auto accident, speak with an experienced Sarasota personal injury lawyer at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh.