One of the most vital steps to take after a crash is to get medical attention. Unfortunately, this is something that many people bypass because they don’t feel the impact of their injuries, and at times, the pain arises at a date much later than that of the accident.
You should know that there are many situations in which injuries experience a latency period that causes them to manifest over the days following the crash. You may also be experiencing adrenaline and shock, which impact your ability to feel your injuries. In any case, it’s vital for you to know when to see a doctor and why it’s so important after a crash.
Getting an Initial Opinion
If you feel any slight pain after an accident, it may be best to see a doctor as soon as possible. The sooner you get this done, the sooner you get a diagnosis regarding any physical or mental injuries you may have endured in the accident. The severity of the injury goes a long way towards helping your personal injury claim, so you want to be sure to follow up.
Your visit to the hospital is a well-documented one that provides you beneficial evidence. The longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes to assess the injury, as well as determine its underlying cause. This is not something you want to encounter, so make sure you are taking the steps to get treatment.
Communicating Injuries to an Insurance Company
When you report your car accident to an insurance company, you’ll most likely be asked whether or not you suffered an injury. Because of the complications involved, you want to let them know if you intend on seeing a doctor. By informing the insurance company of this decision, you are leaving the option open so you can still pursue a consultation for damages.
If you tell the insurance company that you feel no pain and don’t intend on getting medical attention, this statement can be used against you in your claim. The insurance company may try to diminish your compensation or outright deny it if they believe you have not been injured. Additionally, if you wait too long to visit a doctor after the auto accident, the insurance adjuster can then argue that you weren’t injured enough to file a claim.
At The Gatti Law Firm, our Oregon car accident attorneys know just how devastating it can be to experience a crash. Our team will help you throughout every step of the process so you can best safeguard your interests and pursue the compensation you need.