If you are in a car accident, one of the first things you will likely ask yourself is whether or not you need to go to the hospital. If there’s no obvious sign of serious injury, you may think you’re in the clear. However, it is always best to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention after an accident, even if you don’t think you’re injured.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and medical expenses. Contact a car accident attorney at Cantor Grana Bucker Bucci today for a free consultation.
Why Should I Go to the Hospital?
There are a few reasons why it is always best to go to the hospital after an accident, even if you don’t think you’re injured.
Some Injuries Take a While to Show Up
Some car accident injuries may not be immediately apparent. For example, you may have suffered a concussion or other traumatic brain injury that does not show any symptoms until hours or days after the accident. If you wait too long to seek medical attention, you may miss the window for treatment.
Filing a Car Accident Claim
If you plan on filing a car accident claim, you will need to have documentation of your injuries. Without this documentation, it may be difficult to prove that your injuries were caused by the accident, preventing you from recovering compensation for medical bills or lost wages related to the accident.
Going to the hospital will give you a chance to document your injuries. The hospital will likely do a complete examination and take X-rays or other scans. They may also order tests, such as MRIs, to assess your injuries further. All of this documentation can be used to support your claim.
Get the Treatment You Need
Most importantly, going to the hospital after an accident will ensure that you get the treatment you need. Serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, require immediate treatment. If you wait too long to get treated, the damage could be permanent.
Other injuries may not be immediately life-threatening but can still lead to serious complications if left untreated. For example, a neck or back injury could become chronic and lead to long-term pain or paralysis.
What Type of Treatment Should I Get After a Car Accident?
After a car accident, your number one priority should be your health. A medical professional will be able to properly assess your injuries and provide you with the necessary treatment. The type of treatment you need and the doctor you see will depend on the severity of your injuries. You may need to see:
- Emergency room doctor
- Primary care physician
- Urgent care doctor
- Medical specialists
Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may need to be hospitalized or treated on an outpatient basis. It is important to follow your doctor’s orders and attend all scheduled appointments in either case.
Emergency Room Doctor
An emergency room doctor is a medical professional who treats patients with life-threatening injuries or illnesses. If you are seriously injured in a car accident, you will likely be taken to the emergency room by ambulance.
Urgent Care or Primary Care Physician
If your injuries are not life-threatening, you may be able to be seen by an urgent care doctor or your primary care physician. Urgent care doctors can treat a wide range of minor injuries and illnesses. If you have a regular primary care physician, they will likely be familiar with your medical history and can provide you with the best possible care.
Medical Specialists
If you have suffered an injury that requires specialized treatment, you may need to see a medical specialist. A medical specialist is a doctor who has received training in a specific area of medicine. For example, if you have suffered a back injury in a car accident, you may need to see an orthopedic surgeon.
How Long Can I Wait After a Car Accident to Visit the Doctor?
There is no hard and fast rule for how long you can wait to see a doctor after a car accident. However, it is always best for car accident victims to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you are seen by a medical professional, the better your chances of making a full recovery.
What Happens if I Don’t Go to the Hospital After a Car Accident?
If you don’t go to the hospital after a car accident, you may miss the opportunity to receive necessary medical treatment. If you wait too long to seek medical attention, you may also miss the deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit. Additionally, the insurance company may argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident.
Do I Always Have to See a Doctor After a Car Accident?
You should always see a doctor after a car accident, even if you don’t see or feel any injuries. Some injuries take time to show up, and some may worsen over time if they are not appropriately treated. Some injuries do not show up immediately and can worsen once they do. These may include:
- Head and neck injuries such as whiplash or concussion
- Internal bleeding
- Fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Injury to back muscles, nerves, or ligaments
- Soft tissue injuries
Headaches, numbness, swelling, and minor aches and pains often accompany these injuries. If you were in a car accident and are experiencing any new pain or discomfort, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Benefits Of Hiring A Lawyer After Getting Into A Car Accident
The benefits of hiring a lawyer after getting into a car accident are:
- You will have someone on your side who is experienced in dealing with insurance companies.
- Your lawyer will be able to negotiate a settlement on your behalf.
- You will have peace of mind knowing that you have an advocate fighting for your rights.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Richmond Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, it is important to contact a car accident lawyer. They can help you to understand your legal options and protect your rights.
Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci is a personal injury law firm serving individuals and families throughout Virginia. We often meet people at a time of uncertainty in their lives, a moment when they have suffered a life-altering catastrophic injury or wrongful death and are seeking help. At Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci, we understand that we have an opportunity to guide our clients towards a better future, and we take that responsibility seriously.
We have years of experience representing clients who have been injured in car accidents. Our experienced and dedicated team will fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
