If you have ever been in a car accident, then you understand that the crash can shake up more than the vehicle. A car accident has the deceptive capability of leaving you with injuries that may not be immediately apparent. Paired with the disorientation or adrenaline rush of a post-accident mental state, you may think that there is no need to take the time for a doctor’s visit. However, this is highly inadvisable. You should always see a doctor after a car accident.
Seeing a doctor after a car crash ensures that you will be treated for any injuries sustained through the collision and that any issues you may experience afterward can be either minimized or avoided entirely. Even if you believe you are fine, the reasons below outline why you should make a visit to the doctor one of your first post-accident actions.
Hidden Injuries
As we stated earlier, some injuries may have latent manifestations, meaning you may not see or feel anything for hours or days after the accident. Doctors, upon learning about your car accident, know what to look for in the body’s behavior and responses, when it comes to finding out if you suffered injuries.
If you decline to see a physician, you are missing an opportunity for preventative care, as well as proof that the resultant (late-coming) pain is part of an injury sustained in the accident.
Shock
People who are in shock rarely know that they are in shock. And even if they are present enough to realize their state, it does not mean they are capable of performing a thorough body scan. Seeing a doctor after an accident will remove any doubt of whether or not you suffered any injuries during a car crash.
Insurance
If you were injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation from an insurance company. Therefore, you need to ensure you have all the evidence necessary to file your claim and receive an adequate amount of compensation.
Time Limits
Insurance companies often have time limits on when an injury can be labeled as a result of a car accident. Waiting more than 72 hours for initial treatment could result in your insurer denying a claim that your injury was related to the crash.
Paper Trail
If you visit the doctor immediately after a car accident, doctors will perform a variety of tests to evaluate the extent of your injuries. These may include x-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, and will show your condition immediately after the crash. Further, you will begin to receive bills and receipts for treatment rendered and prescriptions required. This kind of documentation helps you prove the amount of compensation you will require to overcome your injuries.
Later Treatments
If your injuries require follow-up treatments or get worse over time, you are more likely to have later treatments covered by insurance, because there will be proof of their direct relation to the initial injuries sustained from the crash. You do not want an injury that got worse over time and required extensive medical intervention to be denied by insurance because you did not think you needed a doctor after a car accident.
While the adrenaline and bewilderment of a car accident may leave you lurching through the post-crash hours, it is important to try to remember the importance of a doctor’s visit within those first few hours after a crash. Not only can it help you avoid serious injury but it will ensure you have the documentation you need to work with the insurance companies on settlement amounts.
Why Visit AIPI After a Car Accident
The doctors, nurses, and professionals at American Interventional Pain Institute have extensive experience working with auto accident victims. With the philosophy that proper diagnosis is the key to treatment, the team at AIPI is known for treating car crash injuries quickly and effectively. If you have been injured in a car accident and are looking for a doctor’s office to visit, call EIPI. We look forward to getting to know you.