How Quickly Should You See a Doctor After an Accident?

An unexpected accident can leave you feeling stressed and overwhelmed. You may even be tempted to delay seeking medical treatment because you have so much to do.

However, don’t make this mistake. The best way to protect yourself after an accident is to be examined by a medical professional as soon as possible. Work and life responsibilities are important, but ensuring your health is in good order after an accident is first priority.

The experienced personal injury attorneys at Belgum, Fry & Van Allen can help you file a claim and get the settlement money you deserve. The best way to get in touch is through the free evaluation form.

Take Note of the Adrenaline Rush

Immediately after the accident, adrenaline courses through your veins. Your heart pounds and your thoughts become fuzzy. It can be hard to tell if you’re injured because you might not feel pain amidst the chaos.

However, any trauma will become apparent a few hours or days later after the adrenaline fades. If you skipped getting medical attention, you could be at home or work when you start to feel the full brunt of your injuries having never received appropriate evaluation and care.

Soft Tissue Injuries Can Linger

Some injuries don’t manifest right away, regardless of your adrenaline level. Days or even weeks can pass before symptoms show up.

Soft tissue damage is an example of this type of injury. This often occurs during car accidents. The force of the accident tosses the body around, putting stress on vulnerable joints, muscle tissue, and ligaments.

Whiplash is a common type of soft tissue injury, especially in car accidents. Your head is thrown forward while your body is still strapped to your seat, causing your head to “whip” back into place.

Soft tissue damage can cause chronic pain and disability, yet it can be difficult to diagnose. If you hope to receive the compensation to which you are entitled for these injuries, obtaining the right medical care is crucial. If you do not have access to the best care, the attorneys at Belgum, Fry & Van Allen can help.

Concussions

If your head is jerked around so hard that your brain rattles and within your skull, it can cause a concussion. Concussions are common after accidents such as car collisions and slips and falls.

Like soft tissue injuries, concussions can be challenging to diagnose. There’s often no visible damage, and symptoms can take a long time to become fully apparent.

The signs that you’re suffering from a concussion after an accident include:

• Amnesia
• Balance issues
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Nausea

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms after an accident, go to the emergency room immediately. Concussions can have severe consequences if left unexamined.

Get a Medical Examination Right Away

Don’t try to gauge the extent of your injuries by yourself. It’s important to go to the emergency room or an urgent care clinic as soon as possible. You can also try setting up an appointment with your own physician if they are able to see you promptly.

A proper medical exam is essential because it can show where and how you are injured. The exam is also an important piece of evidence if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim. The doctor may order X-rays, MRIs, and more.

If your injuries are severe, you should leave the scene of the accident in an ambulance.  Otherwise, you should see a doctor within three days of the accident. It’s not impossible to successfully seek compensation if you wait weeks to go to a doctor, but the case does become much more difficult.

Ultimately, it is your burden to prove that your injuries are a direct result of the accident. This will be harder to prove if you let too much time pass before seeking medical treatment.

Don’t Let Medical Bills Scare You from Treatment

If you don’t have insurance or have a high deductible, you may be tempted to skip medical treatment because of the costs involved. However, this is usually a bad idea for multiple reasons. First, your health is paramount and you could become seriously ill or debilitated if you delay treatment. There are injuries, like fractures and sprains, that becomes much worse if ignored.

Next, if the incident is caused by someone else, your settlement money can be used to pay your medical bills. If you can’t afford to pay upfront for your treatment, speak to your lawyer about finding a doctor who will delay payment until the case resolves.

Get Reliable Legal Advice

After you’re injured in an accident, you suddenly have a lot to do. Let Los Angeles’ best personal injury attorneys take care of your case so you can focus on your recovery. At Belgum, Fry & Van Allen, we’ll fight to get you the compensation you need to feel whole.