Seeking Medical Care After a Car Accident: What to Know

Car accidents can result in devastating, debilitating, and life-altering injuries. Whether you have been in a minor rear-end crash or a severe head-on collision, seeking immediate medical care after a car accident is not only vital to your health, but it can also help ensure you obtain the compensation you deserve. Getting the medical treatment you need for your car-accident related injuries can help protect your legal rights — and be a key factor in determining the outcome of any personal injury case you might file.

Here are five important things to know about seeking medical treatment after a car accident:

It Is Best to Seek Medical Attention Immediately Following a Car Accident

Regardless of whether you think you have been injured or not, it is best to seek immediate medical care after a car accident. Some injuries are not visible or readily apparent — and a doctor can rule out any internal damage when you go to the emergency room directly from the scene of the crash. A healthcare professional can start you on a course of treatment as soon as possible to prevent any exacerbation of your injuries, which could lead to a slower recovery or even permanent disability.

Medical Documentation is Important Evidence in a Personal Injury Claim

Medical records are the foundation of every personal injury claim. This documentation is paramount to prove your injuries. Hospital bills, operative reports, doctor’s notes, physical therapy records, and other medical documents can help to establish the severity of your injuries and your financial damages. In addition to quantifying the economic losses you incurred as a result of the accident, they can also be essential when it comes to justifying ongoing medical expenses that may be necessary for future care.

The Physician You Choose is Crucial

The medical professionals with whom you treat can make all the difference in how your injuries are documented. When seeking medical care after a car accident, you will need to find specialists who know how to treat the specific types of injuries you have sustained.

Do Not Have Gaps In Your Medical Treatment

You should continue to treat until your doctor informs you that you have reached maximum medical improvement. Follow all your doctor’s recommendations when it comes to your medical care after a car accident, including participating in the required physical therapy sessions, filling your prescriptions, taking time off from work, and attending your follow-up appointments. Even if you think you’re feeling better, you should not skip appointments or ignore the treatment plan. Any gap in medical treatment could have a negative impact on your case.

Do Not Delay In Consulting with an Attorney

While obtaining medical care after a car accident should be your first priority, do not delay consulting with a personal injury attorney. They can advise you regarding the pitfalls to avoid in your case and communicate with the defendant’s insurance company on your behalf. They can also help ensure you collect the necessary evidence and that your case is documented appropriately. By waiting too long to retain an attorney, you could potentially make mistakes in your case regarding your medical treatment that otherwise could have been avoided.

Contact an Experienced Washington Personal Injury Attorney

If you have been injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, obtaining medical care is crucial to the outcome of your case. The Bellingham personal injury attorneys at Robinson & Kole provide reliable representation to accident victims throughout Washington State and strive to obtain the maximum compensation to which they are entitled. We welcome you to contact us for a free consultation by calling 800.640.5616 or by using our online contact form. Se habla Español.