If you are involved in a car accident, one of the first things you will need to do is decide whether or not to go to the hospital. Many car accident victims choose not to go to the hospital because they think it will be too expensive or they do not have time.
However, seeking medical treatment after an accident is always in your best interest. Whether a fender bender or a serious collision, there are always potential injuries you may not be aware of. It is better to be safe than sorry and get checked out by a medical professional.
If you have questions about whether or not you should go to the hospital after a car accident, call a car accident lawyer at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. today. We would be happy to discuss your case with you and help you make the best decision for your health and well-being.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Injuries from a car accident can range from mild to severe. It is important to get checked out by a doctor even if you think you are fine. Many people do not realize they are injured until days or weeks after the accident. Some common injuries that can occur from car accidents include:
- Whiplash: Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs when your head is suddenly jerked forward and backward. This can cause severe pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders.
- Head injuries: Head injuries range from concussions to more serious traumatic brain injuries. Even if you do not hit your head on anything, the force of the impact can cause your brain to bounce around inside your skull, which can lead to a severe traumatic brain injury.
- Back injuries: Back injuries are very common in car accidents. The force of the impact can cause herniated disks, spinal cord injuries, and other serious problems.
- Chest injuries: Chest injuries can range from broken ribs to internal bleeding. If you have any pain in your chest after an accident, it is important to get checked out by a doctor.
Do not hesitate to seek medical attention if you are involved in a car accident and are injured. Many people think they can tough it out and their injuries are not serious. However, it is always better to be safe than sorry.
Why Should I Go to the Hospital?
You should go to the hospital after a car accident for many reasons.
Some Injuries Don’t Show Up Immediately
As we mentioned, many people do not realize they are injured until days or weeks after the accident. This is because some injuries, like whiplash, take time to develop. If you wait too long to seek medical attention, your injuries could worsen.
You Might Have Internal Injuries
Internal injuries are severe and can be life-threatening. Even if you feel fine after the accident, it is important to get checked out by a doctor. Internal bleeding, for example, can take hours or even days to become apparent. If you wait too long to seek medical attention, your internal injuries could worsen and even be fatal.
To Document Your Injuries if You Have a Car Accident Claim
If you are planning on filing a car accident claim or personal injury claim, one of the first things you will need to do is prove that your injuries were caused by the accident. The best way to do this is with medical records from the hospital. If you wait too long to seek medical treatment, the insurance company may try to argue that your injuries were not caused by the car accident.
Get the Best Possible Care for Your Injuries
When you see a doctor after a car accident, you will be seen by a team of medical professionals who can properly diagnose and treat your injuries. If you try to treat your own injuries, you could make them worse.
Give Yourself Peace of Mind
After a car accident, it is normal to feel shaken up and anxious. The best way to deal with these feelings is to get checked out by a doctor. This will help you put your mind at ease and will give you peace of mind knowing that you are okay.
What Type of Treatment Should I Get After a Car Accident?
The type of treatment you will need after a car accident depends on the severity of your injuries. You might only need to see your primary care physician if you have minor injuries. However, if you have more serious injuries, you might need to go to the emergency room, be seen by a specialist, or even be hospitalized.
No matter what type of injuries you have, it is vital to seek medical care as soon as possible. The sooner you start treatment, the sooner you will start to feel better, and the less likely your injuries are to become worse.
If you have been in a car accident, contact Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced car accident lawyers. We will review your case and help you determine the best course of action.
How Long Can I Wait to Visit a Medical Professional after a Car Accident?
Ideally, if you are injured, you should visit a doctor or go to the hospital immediately after a car accident. However, we understand that this is not always possible. If you cannot see a medical professional right away, you should try to do so within 72 hours of the accident. After 72 hours, it can be more difficult to prove that your injuries were caused by the accident.
What Happens if I Don’t Seek Medical Attention After a Car Accident?
You could risk your health and well-being if you don’t seek medical attention after a car accident. Additionally, if you try to file a car accident claim without medical records, it will be much more difficult to prove that your injuries were caused by the accident, making recovering fair compensation for your medical bills more difficult.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you are looking for the highest level of representation available for your personal injury case, turn to Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. Our firm has helped clients recover more than $500 million in compensation, and we have more than 100 years of combined experience. All of our partners are recognized by Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers®, and our firm includes three past presidents of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C.
We work to help our clients obtain fair settlement offers to compensate them for the injuries they’ve suffered, but our attorneys are extremely well-equipped to go to trial if needed. Call (202) 659-8600 or contact us online to get the proven legal representation you deserve.