Motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of serious injuries in our region. Alarmingly, the National Safety Council (NSC) reports that 2021 had a 16% increase in motor vehicle deaths. With accidents on the rise, it is crucial for drivers to always remember to get immediate medical attention if they’re involved in a serious collision. Without hesitation, you should always see a doctor if you feel you’ve been hurt in a crash.
At The Walthew Law Firm, our attorneys and staff provide top-quality, fully personalized legal representation to injured victims and their families. We want to make sure that you know how to protect your health, well-being, legal rights, and financial interests. In this article, our Seattle car accident attorneys explain why it is so important to get medical care after experiencing a crash.
Protect Your Health: Many Car Accident Injuries Occur with a Delayed Onset
As a starting point, it is important to emphasize that nothing should come before your health, safety, and well-being. All car accident injuries require an immediate evaluation from a qualified physician. With the most serious of injuries, emergency medical attention is an absolute must. Beyond that, seemingly “mild” or “moderate” injuries should also be evaluated as soon as possible.
Many common car accident injuries arise with a delayed onset, meaning you may not notice the symptoms from your injuries until hours or days after the crash. This happens in many cases because of the sudden rush of adrenaline through the human body that arises during the impact and temporarily masks the pain. It is not uncommon for injuries such as whiplash (soft tissue damage), back pain, and even concussions to emerge 24 to 72 hours after an accident.
Beyond seeking initial medical care, you should also be sure to attend all your follow-up appointments so that your treatment stays on track. To make a full physical and mental recovery after a serious car accident, you need access to the best available medical resources. With the right treatment plan, you or your loved one will be in a far better position to recover after a crash.
Protect Your Rights: Medical Records form the Basis of Your Claim
It is important to receive medical attention after a car crash not only to protect your own health and welfare but also to protect the viability of your legal claim. The “golden rule” we always tell potential or existing clients is that you cannot claim financial compensation for your injuries unless you see a doctor.
Medical records are the basis of your personal injury claim. Without well-prepared records, the insurance company will likely not authorize a settlement for your injuries, pain and suffering, or your emotional distress claims. The more comprehensive your medical records are, the easier it will be for you to recover the full and fair financial compensation you rightfully deserve.
The bottom line is you must get professional medical attention to (1) receive the best possible recovery plan and (2) help you become eligible to bring a car accident injury claim. If you do not see a doctor, you will not only be putting your own health and safety at risk but will also be limiting your financial compensation to only property damage (i.e., the cost of vehicle repairs).
A Car Accident Lawyer Can Help Prepare Your Medical Records
If you were involved in a crash, your first job is to see a doctor. From there, an experienced Seattle car accident lawyer can help you collect, organize, and prepare your medical records to make a proper claim with the insurance company. Always remember, if another party was at-fault for your accident, you have a right to seek financial compensation for the full extent of your losses, including all medical bills. With the help of a car accident lawyer, you can feel more confident that you will be in the best position possible to recover the fullest extent of those losses.
Call Our Seattle, WA Car Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation
At The Walthew Law Firm, our Washington auto accident lawyers fight hard to protect the health, well-being, and legal rights of injured victims. We are fully prepared to help you seek the full financial compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. For a free review of your case, please contact us today. With legal offices in Seattle and Everett, we advocate for the rights of injured accident victims throughout Washington state.