Reasons Why You Should Seek Medical Care after a Car Accident (Even If You’re Not Hurt)

If you’ve experienced a car accident, the last thing on your mind may be seeking medical care for yourself. Car accidents are stressful, and you might consider shrugging off your injuries, or maybe you don’t think you’ve sustained any injuries.

Despite the stresses and chaos that come with dealing with a car accident, your first priority should always be to seek medical care after an accident. This is for many reasons, the most important one being that injuries may develop over time. Also, documentation of your injuries is important for a potential future claim.

Onset Injuries May Develop over Time after a Car Accident

You may think you didn’t get injured in your car accident, or it may just be the adrenaline rush caused by the situation. Adrenaline impacts the way your body responds to pain and decreases sensations so that you are able to continue to perform in a stressful situation.

Some injuries related to car accidents like whiplash, internal wounds, or even concussions may not always be initially apparent and can develop over a span of days or even weeks. To avoid any of these injuries becoming worse or fatal, getting immediate medical attention will help remedy these injuries.

Additionally, although you may not experience it right away, car accidents are also known for causing emotional and mental damage that impact your day-to-day life over time. After a significant accident, it’s common to experience mental health disorders such as anxiety, PTSD, and insomnia. To help these disorders, a medical professional can advise on the appropriate treatment plan so you can experience life again without the negative impact on your mental health.

Seeking Medical Care after a Car Accident Documents Injuries for Your Insurance Claim

Insurance companies are meticulous when reviewing your claim and deciding what you are entitled to. Having thorough documentation of your injuries after a car accident will link any health issues down the road to your accident so you can receive the compensation you are owed for your medical expenses.

Insurance companies look for ways to diminish your claim and save money. If you opt-out of seeking medical attention and then develop injuries later that you need treatment for, your insurance company may protest that your injury is not correlated to your car accident and deny your claim. Even if you don’t file a claim, it’s better to be safe than sorry to make sure you aren’t responsible for any medical expenses down the line.

No-Fault Medical Coverage in Florida

In Florida, every driver must have a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection that can pay for medical expenses due to car accidents, no matter who is at fault for the accident. This law covers anyone, even if you don’t have medical insurance.

This law motivates drivers to seek medical care following a car accident regardless of injuries. This enables you to pay for your medical expenses as soon as they arise and helps empower you to see a doctor without waiting on someone else’s liability coverage.

Documentation of Injuries Bolsters Your Evidence for a Lawsuit

Being harmed in a car accident can be devastating, and you may not even want to think about pursuing legal action against the liable party. However, if you’ve been injured in a car accident because of negligence, you may deserve compensation.

Having your injuries on record as soon as you experience them is the best way to prove the extent of the compensation that you are entitled to. These records are important for your attorney to file a lawsuit and to have vital evidence to support your case. Without documentation of your injuries, receiving the compensation you deserve would be challenging.

Let a Florida Car Accident Lawyer Help You Get the Compensation You Deserve

If you’ve experienced a car accident in Florida, seek medical care even if you’re not hurt. As soon as you’re on the way to recovering your body and mind, reach out to Baker Legal Team to help you with your claim and get you the compensation you deserve.

Robert Baker, an experienced board-certified attorney, is determined to help those who have sustained injuries due to negligence. For over 30 years, Baker Legal Team has provided clients with award-winning representation. Contact our car accident attorney at (561) 320-0000 or fill out this contact form for your free consultation.