Do I Really Need to See a Doctor After a Car Crash in Oklahoma?

You might not feel like you need to see a doctor after a car crash. If you only have minor car accident injuries, a doctor’s visit can be expensive, inconvenient, and unnecessary. Right?

The problem with this line of thinking is that even “minor” symptoms sometimes signal serious injuries. All crash victims should seek medical treatment, ideally within 24 hours of the accident, so a medical professional can fully review their symptoms and provide a treatment plan to help them recover.

Additionally, if you have been the victim of another driver’s negligence, seeking medical attention immediately following an accident can support your insurance claim and potential legal claim. Your car accident lawyer will need well-documented medical evidence to help you get fair compensation for the full extent of your injuries.

Where Should I Seek Medical Care?

If the accident happens at night, or your injuries are serious, the emergency room is the best choice for timely treatment. For minor car accident injuries, urgent care centers typically have extended hours and don’t require an appointment. They are often a great choice for accident victims who are questioning whether they need to see a doctor. Urgent care clinics may also offer immediate pain relief.

Waiting for an appointment with your primary care physician might not always be the right choice. Their office may not be able to provide the prompt medical attention you need. And, as we will discuss later, beginning your medical records as soon as possible can help your personal injury case, if needed.

No matter where you go for medical help, tell them that you are there because you were involved in a car wreck. They may have you fill out special forms for car accident victims, and they may have specific injuries to look for or special tests to run.

Medical Reasons to See a Doctor after a Car Accident

Even if you only have minor symptoms after an automobile accident, medical treatment is incredibly important. Certain conditions can feel minor at first but potentially lead to chronic pain.

Here are more big reasons to seek immediate medical attention:

• Adrenaline can mask the pain. The rush of adrenaline from a car accident can delay the onset of pain. The extent of severe injuries could take hours or even days to become noticeable.
• Internal injuries need early detection. Internal bleeding causes seemingly minor symptoms such as dizziness, bruising, swelling, and pain. These could be symptoms of a life-threatening condition and require proper treatment as soon as they are identified.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) might not show immediate symptoms. However, TBIs often get worse over time. An accurate diagnosis can give you an idea of what delayed symptoms to watch out for and help put you on the path to recovery.
• Soft tissue injuries can escalate. Pain does not always get better with rest. Things like neck pain from whiplash are incredibly common following a car accident. Without treatment, these underlying injuries could continue to escalate to ongoing pain or soreness, limited mobility, and other long-term health issues. Physical therapy could prevent these issues from intensifying.

Seeking medical attention for your car accident injuries is the best way to ensure you don’t miss any important symptoms.

RELATED: How Long After a Car Accident Can Injuries Appear?

Legal Reasons to See a Doctor After a Car Accident

If another driver was at fault for your car accident injuries, you have another set of great reasons to seek medical attention right away. Insurance claims can be tricky, since insurance companies don’t want to pay out a single penny more than required.

Medical evidence can help your car accident claim by:

• Linking your injuries to the accident. The longer you wait to see a doctor, the easier it will be for insurance companies to argue that your injuries are not as serious as you claim, or that your injuries are not related to the car accident.
• Speeding up the insurance claim process. Prompt treatment means prompt medical records that leave less doubt about the injuries sustained in your car accident. Any delay in your treatment or uncertainty about your injuries can also delay the time it takes you to receive compensation.
• Providing crucial medical evidence. All medical treatment records are important for establishing the extent of your injuries. By seeing a medical professional and following their treatment plan, your medical care records will reflect the severity of your injury claim and your dedication to getting better. If your case turns into a personal injury lawsuit, medical records can provide persuasive evidence that you deserve compensation.

If your symptoms persist for a long period of time, remember to still check in regularly with your medical team and always follow your treatment plan. This will provide you with even more medical records proving that your injuries are serious and long-lasting, and that you are taking your recovery seriously.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney as Soon as Possible

One of the best ways you can advocate for yourself as an accident victim is to call an experienced car accident lawyer. If your injuries affect your ability to go to work or enjoy daily life, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Your personal injury lawyer should have extensive knowledge about how to calculate fair compensation for not only your medical bills, but also the costs of chronic pain, loss of earning potential, and diminished quality of life.

While you focus on recovery from your auto accident, your lawyer can aggressively fight and negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf.

RELATED: How Much to Expect from a Car Accident Settlement in Oklahoma

Let The Wolf Pack™ Fight For You

If you’ve been the victim of another driver’s negligence, don’t delay medical help. You may have substantial injuries and establishing your medical documentation is the first step to recovery. The second step is to call The Wolf Pack™ for help. Our team of lawyers will fight to get you the compensation you deserve while you rest and recover.

Please take advantage of our free consultation to discuss the specifics of your case. We can help you understand your legal rights regarding your accident and your injury claim. Just call 405-218-9200 or fill out our online form to get started.