Some car accident injuries may not show symptoms right away. It isn’t uncommon for accident victims to brush off some minor soreness, only for the pain to worsen in the following days and weeks. If you didn’t go to a doctor after a car accident, you’re probably wondering if you still have a case.
The short answer is that you may be able to recover compensation, but waiting to get medical treatment makes getting a fair settlement from the insurance company more difficult. Medical records are crucial for your car accident claim.
See a doctor as soon as possible if you have not already done so. The best way to know if you have a case is to talk to a Beaufort car accident lawyer. At McDougall Law Firm, LLC, we are dedicated to helping clients get the compensation they deserve.
Call our personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation.
Importance of Seeing a Doctor After a Car Accident
In the aftermath of a crash in Beaufort, South Carolina, seeking immediate medical treatment is vital. You should see a doctor even if you don’t have visible injuries and feel fine.
Prompt medical attention safeguards your health and your right to seek compensation. Medical records are important evidence when filing an insurance claim or personal injury case after an auto accident.
Hidden Car Accident Injuries
One of the primary reasons to seek medical care immediately after a car accident is to identify hidden injuries. Life-threatening internal injuries may not be immediately apparent. Conditions such as concussions or soft tissue injuries may not exhibit symptoms right away.
A thorough medical evaluation can detect these injuries early, allowing for prompt treatment and preventing further complications. Ignoring hidden injuries can lead to severe health issues down the line, making it essential to visit a medical professional as soon as possible after an accident.
Delayed Symptoms
Some injuries, like whiplash or traumatic brain injuries, may not present symptoms until hours or even days after the accident. If you delay seeking medical care, insurance companies might use this gap as a basis to deny your claim or minimize your payout. They may argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident or that they are not as severe as claimed.
By seeking medical attention right away, you establish a clear link between the accident and your injuries, providing crucial evidence that can counteract insurance companies’ attempts to diminish your claim.
Medical Records
Medical records are vital for an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. These records connect your injuries to the accident. They detail the extent of your injuries, the treatment plan, and the prognosis, all of which are crucial for substantiating your claim.
Without timely medical records, it becomes harder to seek compensation for your accident-related injuries.
Where to Get Medical Treatment After a Car Crash
Car accident victims have several options for where to seek medical care. The best place to go for medical treatment depends on how serious your injuries are, how much pain you are in, how long ago the crash happened, and other considerations.
Let First Responders Take You to the Hospital
For serious injuries, it’s crucial to let first responders take you to the nearest hospital. Emergency medical services (EMS) are trained to provide immediate treatment at the accident scene and transport you safely to a hospital.
If you are unconscious, in severe pain, or experiencing symptoms like heavy bleeding, difficulty breathing, or potential head or spine injuries, EMS should handle your care. Their swift response ensures that you receive the critical care needed as quickly as possible, potentially saving your life and preventing further complications.
Go to the Emergency Room
If your injuries are not life-threatening but still require urgent attention, you could choose to have a friend or family member drive you to the emergency room. A local emergency department is equipped to handle a wide range of conditions, from broken bones and deep cuts to concussions and other serious injuries.
Even if your symptoms seem manageable, it’s essential to get checked out to rule out any hidden or delayed issues. Prompt care at the ER ensures that you receive appropriate diagnostics and treatment, which can be crucial for a successful recovery.
See Your Doctor
If it’s been several days or weeks since the auto accident and you have lingering pain or stiffness, you can visit your primary care doctor for a medical assessment. Your family doctor can treat minor injuries like sprains and refer you to specialists if necessary.
Visit an Urgent Care or Clinic
Not all injuries require a trip to the ER. If you have minor injuries like sprains, minor cuts, bruises, and mild discomfort, visiting an urgent care center or walk-in clinic is a convenient and effective option. You can also go there for a medical evaluation if you feel fine after a minor auto accident and want to rule out any injuries.
Urgent care facilities don’t require medical appointments and typically have shorter wait times than emergency rooms.
What If I Didn’t Go to a Doctor After My Car Accident?
Waiting to seek medical treatment after a car accident can make it harder to get compensation, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you have no case. While immediate medical care provides clear documentation of your injuries and strengthens insurance claims, it’s still possible to pursue a car accident case even if you didn’t see a doctor right away.
It’s important to understand how delayed treatment impacts car accident cases and reach out to a personal injury attorney for guidance and legal assistance. Insurance companies often use the lack of immediate medical records to minimize or deny your claims. Insurance adjusters may argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim or that they were not caused by the accident.
You should talk to a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible, even if you didn’t seek immediate medical attention. An experienced car accident lawyer can assess your situation, evaluate the strength of your case, and explain your legal options.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
Damages in a Car Accident Case in Beaufort, SC
In a car accident case in South Carolina, you may be entitled to various types of damages to compensate for your losses. These damages cover a wide range of expenses and impacts resulting from the accident. Here are the key categories of damages you can seek.
Medical Expenses
You can recover compensation for medical bills. This includes costs for hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, medications, physical therapy, and future medical expenses for ongoing treatment.
Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity
You can seek reimbursement for lost income due to the inability to work while recovering from your injuries. If your injuries leave you unable to work or force you to take a lower-paying job, you can seek damages for loss of earning capacity.
Property Damage
This includes car repair costs, rental car expenses while your vehicle is being repaired, and the value of items destroyed in the crash. If your car is totaled, you can recover compensation for the vehicle’s value.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering damages compensate you for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries. This can include chronic pain, mental anguish, and losing the ability to enjoy certain activities.
Call Our Beaufort Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when you don’t seek medical treatment immediately. If you don’t visit the doctor after a car accident, the insurance company will likely try to deny your claim or reduce your payout.
What if you already made the mistake of waiting to get medical care? A skilled Beaufort car accident lawyer may be able to prove your case. You should contact McDougall Law Firm for a free case evaluation to understand your legal options. Our skilled personal injury attorneys understand the complexities of car accidents and are dedicated to winning the maximum compensation for clients.
Don’t face the aftermath of a car accident alone. Reach out to McDougall Law Firm for a free consultation and let our experienced car accident lawyers guide you through the legal process. We are here to help you every step of the way.
