Consequences of Not Seeking Medical Attention After a Car Accident

Car accidents are disorienting and stressful. One minute you’re driving along, the next your world is turned upside down. In the aftermath, you may not notice any injuries or be too worried about the high cost of seeking medical attention if you are injured. Either way, your health should always be your priority. That means being seen by a medical professional regardless.

Below you’ll find out more about why it’s important to be examined after a car accident, the health and legal consequences of not doing so and how the car accident lawyers at The Dominguez Firm can help if you were seriously injured in a car crash.

Call us for a free consultation today at (800)818-1818.

Should I Seek Medical Attention Immediately After My Car Accident if I Don’t Have Any Visible Injuries?

After a car accident, it is essential to prioritize your health and well-being. Even if you don’t have any visible injuries, seeking medical attention promptly is still crucial. Some injuries may not be immediately evident and delaying medical evaluation can lead to potential complications and problems seeking compensation later.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay medical attention after a car accident, even if you believe you’re not injured:

Hidden Injuries: Not all injuries are immediately apparent. Internal injuries including organ damage, soft tissue damage, and concussions might not show any external signs initially, but they can be extremely dangerous if left untreated. By seeking medical attention promptly, you give yourself the best chance of identifying any hidden injuries and receiving appropriate treatment early on.

Documentation of Injuries: Seeking medical attention right away creates a fundamental link between the car accident and any injuries sustained. This documentation is vital for your personal injury claim. Insurance companies and legal professionals will rely on medical records to establish the extent of your injuries and the damages you suffered due to the accident.

Adrenaline Could Be Masking Pain: After an accident, your body releases adrenaline, a natural hormone that can temporarily mask pain and discomfort. This can lead you to believe you are uninjured when, in fact, they will become evident once the adrenaline wears off. A medical examination will help to accurately assess your condition immediately.

Preventing Complications: Timely medical intervention can prevent injuries from worsening or developing complications. Prompt treatment can also improve your chances of a full recovery, allowing you to resume your daily activities sooner.

Legal Protection: In personal injury cases, insurance companies may dispute your claim if you did not seek immediate medical attention. They might argue that your injuries were not serious or even related to the accident, potentially jeopardizing your chances of fair compensation. Seeking medical care right away strengthens your position when seeking compensation for medical expenses and other damages.

How Long is Too Long to See a Doctor After a Car Accident?

Many individuals wonder how long is too long to see a doctor after a car accident. While there is no fixed timeframe that applies to every situation, delaying medical evaluation can have serious consequences for both your health and any potential personal injury claim.

The Sooner, the Better:

In general, it’s advisable to see a doctor as soon as possible after a car accident. The adrenaline rush and shock from the incident might mask pain and symptoms initially, but underlying injuries could still exist. Getting medical attention promptly ensures that any injuries are identified and treated early, preventing potentially dangerous complications.

Importance of Medical Documentation:

Seeking medical attention shortly after the accident is not only vital for your health but also for any legal claim you might pursue. Insurance companies and opposing parties often look for opportunities to dispute claims. If you delay seeing a doctor, they may argue that your injuries are not as severe or not related to the accident. By seeking medical care promptly, you establish a clear link between the car accident and your injuries, providing essential documentation for your claim.

Statute of Limitations:

In California, there is a statute of limitations for filing personal injury claims. This means there is a time limit within which you must initiate legal action after the car accident. While the statute of limitations varies based on the type of claim and circumstances, it is generally advisable to consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to understand the applicable time frame.

Medical Treatment and Recovery:

Delaying medical treatment can also affect your recovery process. Some injuries may worsen over time if not addressed promptly. By seeking medical attention early on, you give yourself the best chance for a full and speedy recovery.

In short, there is no specific “too long” timeframe that applies to everyone when it comes to seeking medical attention after a car accident. However, the sooner you see a doctor, the better it is for your health and any potential personal injury claim.

Does it Hurt My Personal Injury Claim If I Go to a Clinic or My Doctor Instead of the ER For My Car Accident Injuries?

Visiting a clinic or your doctor instead of the emergency room for your car accident injuries may not necessarily hurt your personal injury claim, but it can impact the perception of your injuries and the documentation available for your case. Here’s what you need to consider:

Severity of Injuries: If your injuries are minor and do not require immediate emergency medical attention, visiting your doctor can be a reasonable option. However, if you have severe or life-threatening injuries, going to the emergency room is vital for immediate and comprehensive care.

Timely Medical Attention: Regardless of which medical provider you use, the key is to get timely attention for your injuries. Delaying medical treatment can raise doubts about the seriousness of your injuries and their connection to the car accident.

Medical Documentation: Proper documentation of your injuries is important for your personal injury claim. Emergency rooms are experienced in handling accident-related injuries and creating detailed medical records. While clinics and doctors can also provide documentation, they might not have the same level of experience in handling car accident cases.

Insurance Company Perception: Insurance companies may try to use your decision to go to a clinic or your doctor instead of the emergency room to downplay the severity of your injuries. This is especially true if you wait a day or two to do so. They may argue that your injuries weren’t major enough to warrant emergency care and, therefore, may offer a lower settlement.

Follow-Up Care: If you visit a clinic initially, you must follow up with appropriate care from your primary care doctor or specialists, if needed. Consistent medical treatment shows that you are taking your injuries seriously and seeking necessary care for recovery.

Consult with an Attorney: Some car accident victims will refuse an ambulance or a visit to the ER out of fear of what it will cost regardless of the extent of their injuries. This shouldn’t stop them from seeking legal representation. If you suffered serious injuries in a car crash caused by someone else, an experienced car accident attorney can still help.

What Are Some Delayed Car Accident Injury Symptoms?

Car accidents can be traumatic and overwhelming experiences, and in the immediate aftermath, you may not notice any significant injuries due to the adrenaline rush and shock. Nonetheless, be aware that some car accident injury symptoms can have delayed onset, meaning they may not manifest until hours, days, or even weeks after the accident. Pay close attention to your body and see a doctor if you experience any of these delayed injury symptoms:

• Neck and Back Pain: Whiplash is a common delayed injury after a car accident, especially in rear-end collisions. Neck and back pain, along with stiffness and reduced range of motion, may not become apparent until a day or two after the accident.

• Headaches: Headaches can occur as a delayed response to the impact and may be indicative of a concussion or other head injury. If you experience persistent or worsening headaches, seek medical care right away.

• Abdominal Pain: Internal injuries to organs such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys may not present immediate symptoms. Abdominal pain, swelling, or bruising that appears after the accident should be examined by a medical professional.

• Numbness or Tingling: Nerve damage or herniated discs in the spine can cause delayed symptoms of numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet.

• Psychological and Emotional Distress: Car accidents can lead to emotional trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression. These symptoms may not surface until some time after the accident.

• Changes in Cognitive Function: Concussions or other traumatic brain injuries can result in delayed cognitive symptoms, including memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and confusion.

• Abnormal Sleep Patterns: Insomnia, nightmares, or other sleep disturbances might be linked to the psychological impact of the accident.

• Changes in Mood or Behavior: If you or someone close to you notices unexplained mood swings, irritability, or changes in behavior, it could be a delayed response to the accident’s emotional toll.

Remember that everyone’s body reacts differently to trauma, and some injuries may take longer to present symptoms than others.

Do Gaps in Medical Treatment Impact a Personal Injury Case?

There’s a reason why personal injury attorneys stress the importance of consistent medical treatment for a client’s car accident injuries; even one or two gaps in treatment can hurt their case.

Documentation and Causation

If there are significant gaps in your medical treatment, it can raise doubts about the causation of your injuries. Insurance companies or the opposing party may argue that the injuries are not severe if you don’t keep up with your treatments. This can be particularly bad for your case if, for example, your auto accident lawyer has argued that you are suffering from chronic pain due to your injuries.

Severity of Injuries

Delaying medical treatment can also be seen as a sign that your injuries were not severe enough to even need immediate attention. Insurance adjusters may use this as a basis to undervalue your claim or offer a lower settlement amount. Seeking timely medical treatment after the accident shows that you took your injuries seriously and sought necessary care.

Pre-existing Conditions

If there are gaps in your medical treatment, the defense might attempt to argue that your injuries were pre-existing and not caused by the car accident. This tactic can be used to shift blame away from the at-fault party and reduce their liability. Regular and consistent medical treatment can help establish that your injuries are a direct result of the accident and not related to any pre-existing conditions.

Loss of Damages

A gap in medical treatment can also impact your claim for damages. If you delay treatment and your injuries worsen as a result, you may not be able to claim compensation for the additional damages caused by the delayed treatment. Keeping all medical appointments can help prevent worsening of injuries and ensure that you receive appropriate compensation.

What Are the Most Common Car Accident Injuries?

Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity depending on the circumstances of the collision. While the types and extent of injuries can be diverse, some car accident injuries are more common than others. Understanding these common injuries can help individuals recognize the signs and seek prompt medical attention and legal assistance if necessary.

Whiplash: Whiplash is perhaps the most prevalent car accident injury, especially in rear-end collisions. It occurs when the force of impact causes the neck to jerk forward and backward suddenly. Whiplash can lead to neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and reduced range of motion.

Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissues, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments, can be damaged in a car accident due to sudden jolts and impacts. Sprains, strains, and contusions are common soft tissue injuries that may result in pain, swelling, and bruising.

Broken Bones: Fractured bones are common in high-impact collisions. The arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone are particularly susceptible to fractures in a car accident.

Head Injuries: Head injuries can range from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Even with seat belts and airbags, the head can still experience significant impact during a collision, leading to various head injuries.

Chest Injuries: The impact of a car accident can cause chest injuries, including bruising of the chest wall, broken ribs, and damage to internal organs.

Back Injuries: The force of a car accident can result in back injuries, such as herniated discs, which can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the back and extremities.

Knee and Leg Injuries: In a collision, the knees and legs can be forcefully driven into the dashboard, seats, or other parts of the vehicle, leading to injuries such as fractures, sprains, or torn ligaments.

Psychological Trauma: Car accidents can also have lasting psychological effects, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, which can significantly impact a person’s well-being.

Note that the age and pre-existing medical condition of the car accident victim will also determine the severity of the injury. For example, a broken bone injury is usually much more serious in an elderly person in comparison to someone in their twenties.

Can The Dominguez Firm Still Help Me If I Didn’t Have Medical Insurance at the Time of My Car Accident?

Yes, absolutely! At The Dominguez Firm, we understand that not everyone may have medical insurance at the time of their car accident. This should not stop you from seeking the legal representation you need. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to help regardless of your insurance status.

When you don’t have medical insurance, the thought of dealing with medical expenses after a car accident can be frightening. However, we have extensive experience in handling cases involving individuals without medical insurance. Here’s how we can still assist you:

Access to Medical Treatment: If you were injured in a car accident and don’t have medical insurance, our firm can connect you with a network of trusted healthcare professionals who can provide the necessary medical evaluation and treatment. Your health and well-being are our top priority, and we will ensure you receive the care you need to recover from your injuries.

No Upfront Costs: Worried about the cost of hiring a personal injury attorney? Don’t be. At The Dominguez Firm, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay any upfront costs or fees. We only get paid when we successfully secure compensation for your case. This allows you to focus on your recovery without having to worry about legal expenses.

Building a Strong Case: Our skilled personal injury attorneys know how to build strong cases, including for clients without medical insurance. We thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the accident, gather evidence, consult with medical experts, and work diligently to establish liability and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Dealing with insurance companies can be complex and overwhelming, especially if you don’t have the legal expertise to navigate their tactics. Our attorneys have a deep understanding of insurance laws and will handle all communication with the insurance companies on your behalf to ensure your rights are protected and that you receive a fair settlement.

Seeking Compensation: Even if you lacked medical insurance, you may still be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the car accident. Our goal is to recover the maximum compensation possible for your case.

If you didn’t have medical insurance at the time of your car accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to The Dominguez Firm for help. Our compassionate and dedicated team will guide you through the legal process, advocate for your rights, and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Remember, the initial consultation is free, so you have nothing to lose by contacting us to discuss your case.

Call the Experienced Car Accident Lawyers at The Dominguez Firm Right Away

There are many reasons why someone may not seek medical care after their car accident. It can be anything from not realizing they were injured to being uninsured at the time. Whatever the cause, you still have the right to file a claim against the person who caused your injuries.

The Dominguez Firm has been helping car accident victims exercise their right to fair compensation for their injuries for over 35 years. Our experienced personal injury attorneys can navigate the particulars of your car accident and present the strongest case possible on your behalf. Call us today for a free consultation at (800)818-1818. Don’t wait, contact us now!