It’s important to see a doctor immediately after you’ve been in a car accident – even if you don’t think at first that you’ve been seriously injured.
Your doctor can perform a full examination and help you get on the road to recovery as soon as possible. They can also check you for less obvious injuries caused by the accident that could become life-altering or life-threatening if left untreated.
I Feel Fine – Why Should I Go to the Doctor?
Even if you feel fine right after a car accident, it’s critical to visit a medical professional as soon as possible. Following a traumatic event like a car crash, our bodies often produce endorphins and adrenaline. These chemicals can increase your energy levels and block pain, making you think that you are fine when you’re actually injured.
Symptoms from some injuries don’t show up right away. For example, a subdural hematoma (or brain bleed) might initially appear to be just a minor headache from the stress of the car wreck because victims often act normally for days or even weeks following the injury. Nevertheless, the longer this condition goes untreated, the worse the bleeding might become and can lead to additional serious and life-threatening injuries.
It might seem inconvenient to have to go to a doctor when you think you’re fine. However, when you see a physician after a car accident, you can reduce your chance of developing long-term medical conditions from the wreck.
How Long Do I Have to See a Doctor After a Car Accident?
It’s essential to see a doctor as soon as possible after a car accident. The longer you wait, the more difficult it might be for you to heal from damages caused by the crash, plus it might make it harder or even impossible to recover compensation for your injuries.
When you visit a physician, they will produce a medical report that’s typically a vital piece of evidence in proving the cause and severity of your injuries from the accident. Insurance companies may look at this report when calculating how much compensation they might owe you.
Under Georgia law, victims usually have up to two years after a car accident to file a lawsuit for their injuries. However, without evidence of prompt medical treatment, the insurance company might try to argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim, or that another event besides the accident may have caused your injuries.
Common Latent Injuries from a Car Accident
Some injuries that might not be obvious right after a car accident include:
- Concussions and other brain injuries
- Neck injuries
- Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Spinal cord and back injuries
Get Help from an Atlanta Car Accident Attorney
If you’re suffering from a serious car accident injury, it’s critical to have a trusted attorney on your side. At Spaulding Injury Law, our respected Atlanta car accident lawyers have a proven track record of helping injured victims just like you fight for their legal rights and the maximum compensation they deserve.
To get the help you need, call Spaulding Injury Law today or contact us online and schedule your free consultation.
