When Should You Seek Medical Evaluation And Treatment After An Auto Accident?

Driving on the roads throughout the Charlotte area can be treacherous with traffic, ongoing construction, and drivers who aren’t paying attention. If you find yourself in a car or truck wreck, you may wonder how important it is to get medical attention.

“If you’ve been in an auto accident, it’s important to get examined by a medical professional right away,” said Preston Armstrong, a personal injury attorney with the Law Offices of DeBrun & Armstrong. “Even if you feel fine, there could be an underlying injury that needs medical attention. Also, if you choose to file a bodily injury claim, it’s vital to have a medical record of your injuries.”

Reasons to Seek Medical Treatment

There are several reasons to seek medical treatment after a vehicle accident. First, if you know you have injuries or are in pain, it is important to be assessed by a doctor to ensure you receive proper medical attention. Failure to get medical care for injuries can lead to long-term damage or make your recovery much more difficult. Second, if you decide to pursue a bodily injury claim, medical records will be necessary to demonstrate both the existence of and extent of your injuries. Medical records documenting your injuries may also be helpful to you in case you decide to seek time away from work to recover.

Don’t Delay Treatment

It is important to seek medical treatment soon after your accident. Not only is it best for your physical well-being, but insurance companies may attempt to deny your claim or settle for lower amounts if it appears that the injuries you sustained did not come from the accident. When you visit the doctor or the hospital to seek treatment, remember to discuss the events of the accident so that they can include that information in your medical records.

What if I Feel Fine?

Sometimes people do not immediately know they are injured after an accident. You may not feel the effects of the accident impact right away. Soft tissue injuries can take time to appear, leaving you feeling sore and potentially unable to work for a period of time. It is important to be aware that only a medical examination can determine whether you are injured or not, so we recommend you seek the opinion of a doctor before dismissing the possibility of being injured.

Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney

If you’ve been injured in a car accident that was not your fault, you should talk to an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss what happened and make sure you understand all of your options. Contact the Law Offices of DeBrun & Armstrong at 704-405-5505 to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys.