When is it too late to go to the doctor after a car accident? It may never be too late to go to the doctor after a car accident, since some severe, lingering injuries may not be immediately obvious to you. That said, you should always go to the doctor immediately after any accident to ensure your health.
Even if you are only aware of scrapes and bruises, there may be some deeper damage that a doctor can help you heal from, and a Charlottesville car accident lawyer can help you sue for compensation.
Injuries That May Not Be Obvious at First Can Cause Long-Term Issues
The sudden shock of being in a car accident can release a lot of adrenaline that temporarily boosts your pain tolerance, effectively hiding some potentially bad injuries. Feeling relatively okay at first does not mean that delaying or skipping medical care is a smart move. You could have any of these injuries that affect your life long after your accident if left untreated for too long:
- Soft tissue damage – connective tissue like tendons and ligaments, or muscles, could lead to affected motor functions if not attended to.
- Concussions – if you have never had one before, you may think you are simply dazed and stunned after a jarring wreck, but these could lead to severe mental impairment or death if untreated.
- Sprains or fractures – the adrenaline and general pain combined may mask the sharp pain of sprains and fractures, but not getting these checked out could mean they do not heal properly.
- Whiplash – this may feel like soreness and stiffness somewhere in your neck, but tissue can be inflamed and cause lingering mobility issues.
- Internal bleeding – pain coming from somewhere you cannot see, it is hard to know if it is serious or just a pain response, but a doctor can identify this if seen soon enough.
We may think we know our own bodies better than anyone, but a qualified medical professional may readily identify issues that we are otherwise ignorant of. Getting these diagnosed and treated early can mean the difference between a possible full recovery and chronic pain for the rest of your life. Knowing what some common car accident injuries are can help clue you into the treatment you may need to seek.
For a legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer, call 434-817-3100
Why You Should Not Delay Treatment Because of Financial Concerns
All of us have different health insurance situations, with some of us not having any at all. Paying out of pocket can be wildly unaffordable, especially when you are missing work due to your injuries. You have options, however, that can help get you checked out even before you think you need it.
A good Charlottesville personal injury lawyer can connect you with financing options that cushion the blow of mounting medical bills. Pursuing these payment plans can stretch things out enough to last you through until we reach a settlement in court that covers all your expenses.
It will not be too late to go to the doctor after a car accident if you hire an attorney to help get you compensation that pays for your doctor visits. You do not have to worry about paying a lawyer who works on contingency, and a successful settlement means everything is paid for. If you can hold someone accountable, do not let it become too late to see a doctor.
Long-Term Effects of Car Accident Injuries
If you let it become too late to go to a doctor after a car accident, you may have to deal with pain, mobility issues, or mental impairment indefinitely. Even seeing a doctor after a while could only mitigate symptoms. Injuries like whiplash can have symptoms that sneak up well after the actual accident.
Sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can easily be fatal if a doctor does not intervene soon enough. If not fatal, TBI can often leave victims with disabilities, both physical and mental. Seeing a doctor earlier will usually mean a better long-term outcome, even with life-altering effects.
The long-term care for some of the worst car accident injuries can mean ongoing medical costs for things like physical therapy and medication. The pain is not always physical, but also financial and mental, with conditions like PTSD that can turn simple car rides into debilitatingly scary events.
What to Do in Your Visits with the Doctor
Doctors are there to help you in any way they can. Part of getting quality care means helping them to know your symptoms, engaging in the recovery process, and keeping up with clerical work on your end so that all the paperwork is squared away and everyone is paid up.
Engage in Talks with Your Doctor
Asking questions is a great way to actively participate in your own recovery process. Doctors went through years of medical school to gain a wealth of knowledge that they can share with you if you simply ask about your symptoms and treatment. Gaining knowledge yourself could help extend care beyond the doctor’s office.
Do Not Hide Anything from Your Doctor
It will always be too late to go to a doctor if you do not tell them the truth about your symptoms or other pertinent medical information. Ignoring an issue will not make it go away on its own. Trying to tough it out through pain will not help doctors give you proper treatment.
Keep Documentation of Everything
Your medical records are your medical records, which you should always have your own copies of. Information in here could help with your car accident lawsuit, provide grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit if needed, and help inform other medical professionals who are part of your extended care.
Do Not Wait to See a Doctor After a Car Accident
It is always too late to go to a doctor after a car accident. Unfortunately, it is highly unlikely that one is already at the scene of your accident when it happens and ready to provide ample care.
Getting to one as quickly as possible can prove just as vital as getting MartinWren, P.C. to help get you compensation.
Call 434-817-3100 or complete a Case Evaluation form
