The Importance of Getting Medical Attention After a Car Accident for Your Legal Case

More than 12 million vehicles were in car accidents in the United States in 2019, meaning an average of 32,876 vehicles were involved in crashes daily. From 2019 to 2021, Florida averaged 381,602 crashes involving 647,508 drivers annually, equal to 963 crashes involving 1,773 drivers daily.

Auto accidents are an everyday occurrence, yet car accidents are unexpected for those involved. In addition to physical injuries, almost 40% of car crash victims are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) caused by accidents. 

Since car accident victims may be in shock, they may not realize the importance of seeking medical attention after their accident. If you’ve been in an accident, prompt medical care may be crucial for your physical well-being and legal case.

Should I see a doctor after a car accident if I had no injuries?

Car accident victims may suffer from one or more common car accident injuries, including the following:

• Amputation
• Broken bones
• Bruised bones
• Burns
• Dislocated joints
• Heart attack
• Lacerations
• Organ damage
• PTSD
• Scarring
• Soft tissue injuries
• Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Whiplash

While lacerations are apparent, other injuries may not produce symptoms for hours or days after your accident. Whiplash injuries may take 24 hours or longer to appear. You could also suffer from delayed shock syndrome, preventing you from identifying other symptoms or injuries. 

Although you may not think you have injuries, you could have bruised organs, hairline fractures, PTSD, whiplash, or other injuries that aren’t immediately apparent. Seeing a doctor ensures you receive a comprehensive assessment after your car accident so you receive the medical attention you need. If you’re still at the scene of your accident, make sure you receive appropriate medical care. 

When you consult an experienced Miami car accident attorney over the phone, you get prompt legal counsel from experienced lawyers who will explain your rights and ensure you take appropriate steps after your accident to protect those rights.

Should I go to the hospital after a car accident for minor injuries?

It’s essential to seek medical attention after a car crash. Although seeing a doctor after your car crash doesn’t have to involve going to the hospital, there are some potential benefits to seeking medical care at a hospital. Hospitals have testing equipment, which means you may be able to receive all medical tests required for a comprehensive evaluation without going to different medical facilities. If you go to your doctor’s office, you may need to go to different venues for blood work, X-rays, MRIs, and other tests.

Is it important to see a doctor after a car accident?

Seeing a doctor is important because you can be confident you don’t have undiagnosed injuries after your accident. Some injuries can worsen if they aren’t treated. Suppose you have a hairline fracture, but you don’t realize it. That may not seem like a severe injury; however, the bone can break further without proper medical care. 

You must also seek medical care for any legal case you may need to pursue. Identifying your injuries and receiving appropriate treatment is essential, not only for your health, but to receive proper compensation for medical expenses arising from your accident. Medical reports and bills are documents you’ll need to build your legal case.

What doctor should I see after a crash?

One of the reasons to see your family doctor after an accident is that your family doctor knows your baseline. In medical terms, your baseline refers to your normal state. Some people average a slightly higher body temperature than others. Your family doctor will know this, while another doctor may think that means you have an infection or another health problem. Doctors look for changes from your normal state to identify potential health issues, which is why they benefit from familiarity.

You may need to see several specialists after an accident to ensure an accurate diagnosis and receive appropriate treatment. Your family doctor can refer you to a mental health expert to be evaluated and treated for PTSD or a neurologist to determine if you have a TBI. 

Physical and occupational therapy may also be needed. Physical therapists treat people recovering from injuries like broken bones and back and neck injuries. Occupational therapists help individuals learn how to use assistive devices, such as wheelchairs, and regain fine motor skills after injuries.

How can the best Miami car accident attorney help you after your accident? 

Experienced car accident attorneys know how to prepare a successful car crash injury case. You may be eligible for economic damages following your accident, including compensation for property damage, medical bills, and expenses resulting from your accident. Car accident victims also often receive compensation for pain, suffering, and trauma caused by their accidents. At Bernstein & Maryanoff Injury Attorneys, we’ll answer your questions and explain your options. Our attorneys will build your case so you receive the compensation you deserve. 

Sources:

Carlier, M. (2022). Road Accidents in the United States – Statistics & Facts.

Delayed Shock Symptoms After Accident. (2022). 

Should I see a bone doctor for a hairline fracture? (2020). 

Traffic Crash Facts – Annual Report 2021. (2022). 

Tull, M. (2019). The Risk of PTSD After a Car Accident.

Whiplash. (2022).