Why Should I See a Doctor After My Accident?

There are approximately 6.4 million traffic accidents in the U.S. each year, and 2.9 million people are injured as a result. When you consider the fact that your odds of suffering an injury from a traffic accident are 45 percent, it is easy to understand why it is important to visit a doctor after an incident. However, most people will fail to make a doctor’s appointment, and this can lead to serious consequences. Therefore, even if you feel okay after the accident, it is still a good idea to get a checkup.  

Is it a Waste of Time if I Feel Fine?

The number one reason that people do not go to a doctor is that they think they will be wasting their time or money. Instead of taking this viewpoint, you need to consider how important your health is. After all, if you have an injury that is not diagnosed, it could end up costing you a lot more time and money in the long run. According to a car accident lawyer Tampa based, people often do not know the extent of their own injuries.

In many cases, an individual who has been in a car accident will have such a high level of adrenaline that they are unable to recognize the symptoms of an injury. This is especially true of whiplash, concussions and minor muscle issues. Sadly, each of these conditions can become much worse if they are left untreated, and it is even possible that you could have internal bleeding without being aware of it. Therefore, it is vital to get a clean bill of health after any automobile accident. 

Dealing with an Injury

Keep in mind that all of your medical expenses might not be paid for by insurance, and this could leave you with a big financial burden. However, you do have the legal right to sue the other driver if the accident was their fault. In order to do this, you should contact an auto accident attorney. As long as you went to your doctor or the emergency room within a reasonable amount of time, you should be able to link your injuries to the accident. However, if you fail to go to the doctor for several days, it could be very difficult to win your case.

Collecting Evidence

In order to win an injury lawsuit, you will need to be able to prove that your medical issues were directly caused by the negligent actions of the other driver. Going to a doctor immediately is the best way to prove this, and you might also ask your physician to testify on your behalf as an expert medical witness. Additionally, it is a good idea to photograph the accident scene, and you should ask any witnesses if they are willing to give a statement or appear in court.

Taking care of your health is extremely important, so you should never hesitate to go to the doctor if something might be wrong. Therefore, if you are involved in a traffic accident, it is always best to go to your doctor to ensure that everything is okay.