Why Seek Medical Attention After an Auto Accident?
When you’re involved in an car accident in San Antonio, the first thing you likely do at the scene is evaluate how you are feeling. If you’re not showing any evidence of an injury, you may have made the decision to not seek medical care. This could be a big mistake, particularly if someone else was responsible for the accident.
Why is not getting medical attention a mistake?
The first concern is you may have injuries that are masked by the increased adrenaline in your body. Additionally, if you do not seek medical care right away, the insurance company could deny your claim stating that you had no injuries as a direct result of the accident. Seeking medical attention will also allow you to get advice from a physician regarding what symptoms you should watch for in the days following an accident.
Why would the insurance company deny my claim for not seeking medical care?
In nearly all cases, an insurance company will make the assumption if you didn’t seek medical care then you were not hurt in the accident. This is in spite of the fact that many injuries, particularly whiplash, soft tissue injuries and even concussions may not manifest immediately after an accident. Sometimes it takes days for victims to have symptoms such as dizziness, head and neck pain or even blurry vision.
Protect yourself from long-term problems
One of the most important reasons to seek medical attention immediately is you could develop long-term problems as a result of a car accident. Failing to seek care immediately could mean you may wind up with injuries that take longer to recover from, lose additional time from work and create a situation where an otherwise minor problem could worsen without care.
What if the doctor says I’m fine and I develop symptoms later?
If you develop new symptoms such as pain, numbness or problems with your range of motion in the days after an accident contact your physician immediately. Make sure they are aware of who examined you after the car accident and that you carefully document all symptoms. Your medical records will be used by both your attorney and insurance companies when discussing your claim.
At the Law Offices of Ronald A. Ramos, P.C., we understand how stressful being involved in any kind of accident can be. We also understand you will have a wide range of questions and concerns. Our goal is to address your concerns and make sure you have an advocate in the event an insurance company fails to pay your claim or they offer you far less than you should be entitled to.
Our goal is simple: we want to make sure you’re not suffering financially from unexpected medical bills, damage to your car and lost wages. We will fight hard to get you the settlement you deserve. If an insurer is not willing to be reasonable in reaching a settlement, we have extensive litigation experience and we’re willing to take them to court. Make sure you get the proper medical care and leave the concern about paying medical bills as a result of a San Antonio car accident to us. Call the office today at (210) 308-8811 and schedule a free consultation. If we’re not successful in obtaining a settlement, we won’t charge you a dime.
Why You Should See a Doctor After Every Car Accident
Even if you feel fine after a collision, many serious injuries do not produce immediate symptoms. Adrenaline and shock can mask pain for hours or even days after an accident. Injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, herniated discs, and soft tissue damage like whiplash often have delayed onset symptoms. By the time you notice something is wrong, the injury may have worsened significantly. Seeing a doctor within 24 to 72 hours of the accident ensures that hidden injuries are detected and treated early.
How Delayed Treatment Affects Your Injury Claim
From a legal perspective, the timing of your medical treatment is one of the most important factors in your car accident claim. Insurance companies routinely argue that if you did not seek medical attention right away, your injuries must not be serious or were caused by something other than the accident. A gap in treatment between the date of the accident and your first medical visit gives adjusters ammunition to deny or reduce your claim. Prompt medical documentation creates a clear record connecting your injuries directly to the collision.
Types of Injuries That May Not Be Immediately Apparent
Several common car accident injuries are known for delayed symptom onset. Concussions and mild traumatic brain injuries may not cause noticeable symptoms until hours or days later. Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries often worsen over the first 24 to 48 hours as inflammation increases. Internal organ damage can be life-threatening if not detected quickly through medical imaging. Herniated or bulging discs may initially present as mild stiffness before progressing to severe pain, numbness, or weakness. Psychological injuries such as post-traumatic stress disorder may develop gradually in the weeks following the accident.
What to Tell Your Doctor
When you visit a doctor after a car accident, be thorough and honest about all of your symptoms, no matter how minor they may seem. Tell your doctor about the accident itself, including the speed and type of collision, where you were positioned in the vehicle, whether you lost consciousness, and any symptoms you have noticed since the accident. Mention all areas of pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, numbness, tingling, or changes in vision or hearing. Your doctor’s notes from this initial visit will become a key piece of evidence in your injury claim.
Follow Through With All Recommended Treatment
Seeking initial medical care is important, but following through with your treatment plan is equally critical. Attend all follow-up appointments, complete prescribed physical therapy, take medications as directed, and follow any activity restrictions your doctor recommends. Insurance companies will review your entire medical record and will use any missed appointments or gaps in treatment as evidence that your injuries are not as serious as claimed. Consistent medical treatment protects both your health and your legal rights.
Contact Our San Antonio Car Accident Attorneys
If you have been injured in a car accident, the Law Offices of Ronald A. Ramos, P.C. can help you navigate the medical and legal aspects of your claim. We work with medical providers throughout San Antonio to ensure our clients receive the treatment they need, and we fight aggressively to recover full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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