Posted on Friday, October 12th, 2018 at 12:49 am
If you are injured in a car accident in Sacramento, it is important that you understand the importance of medical treatment after an accident. Many people count themselves lucky if they can walk away from a car accident without any outward signs of injury or trauma. They may tell medical professionals at the accident scene that they do not need any assistance.
However, some injuries may not present symptoms immediately after a crash. An accident victim may not experience symptoms of an injury for several hours or days after an accident. Only after the symptoms become chronic does the accident victim seek medical treatment.
Unfortunately, a skilled insurance defense attorney can use a delay in medical treatment to argue the victim was not injured in the accident. The defense attorney may argue that the victim is exaggerating the seriousness of the injury. In some cases, the defense attorney may accuse the accident victim of lying to obtain money from the defendant.
Do Not Refuse Medical Treatment After an Accident
It is always best to be checked by a medical professional after a car accident. When you are in an accident, it is usually wise to undergo a complete physical examination. You could have suffered a severe injury, and immediate medical treatment may reduce the risk of serious side effects or complications. In addition, refusal of medical care at the accident scene is noted in the accident report. Therefore, it is best to let the medical professionals do their job and check you at the accident scene.
If you do not go directly to the emergency room after a car crash, you should see your doctor. Your doctor can perform diagnostic tests and evaluate your condition to determine if you were injured in the collision.
Following up with your doctor is also extremely important. If you experience any unexplained symptoms or your symptoms become worse, you should contact your doctor immediately. Some accident victims may not be fully symptomatic until weeks or months after an accident. During this time, you may notice some symptoms, but you might brush off the symptoms as normal aches and pains following a crash. It is best to err on the side of caution and see your doctor than to assume you are fine.
Medical Evidence Required to Recover Compensation
You must have medical evidence to substantiate your claim of an injury to recover compensation after a car accident. The defense may hire a doctor to refute your claim of an injury. Therefore, it is important to document your injuries. The sooner you see a doctor after a crash, the more difficult it becomes for a defense attorney to argue that your injuries were not sustained in the crash.
As important as it is that you seek medical treatment after an accident, it is also important that you do not settle your injury claim until your doctor releases you. If you settle your claim too soon, you might not receive all the compensation you deserve for your injuries. If you suffer a permanent impairment, you could be entitled to additional compensation.
Call a Sacramento Personal Injury Attorney for Help
Our Sacramento personal injury lawyers can help you document your medical treatment to help ensure you receive maximum compensation for your claim. Contact The Tiemann Law Firm by calling (916) 999-9000 for a free consultation with one of our lawyers.
