Perhaps you are grateful that you were not badly hurt in a car accident. You should still see a doctor as soon as possible. Not all car accident injuries are apparent immediately. Going to the ER is the best choice, as hospitals have diagnostic equipment unavailable in urgent care practices.
If it turns out you did suffer an injury, seeing the doctor promptly can make all the difference in your case. It is also crucial for your own health to receive an examination and diagnosis. A personal injury attorney at Salamati Law protects your rights while fighting to get you the maximum compensation for your injury.
What to Do After a Car Accident
When injured in a car accident in California, call 911 right away. Try to assess the extent of your injuries and that of anyone else involved in the crash. Get to a safe place, away from traffic.
Take photos of the accident scene. This includes all vehicles and their damage and any injuries you may have– exchange insurance and driver’s license information with the other driver. If there are eyewitnesses, ask for their names and contact information. When law enforcement arrives, tell the police what happened. Do not embellish your account, and do not admit fault.
Of course, a seriously injured person cannot take these measures. In this situation, an emergency responder will take you to the emergency room.
Car Accident Aftermath
What to expect physically after a car accident? An adrenaline rush produced by the body after the accident can mask pain. It can take hours before the hormone wears off, and that is when the pain kicks in.
Many people do not realize they are hurt until the day after the collision. They wake up sore or dealing with a headache. The musculoskeletal injury known as whiplash may take days or even weeks to appear. However, if you thought you would tough it out after the accident but end up in pain, head to the doctor immediately. Waiting any longer can turn a minor injury into a major one.
In addition, the insurance company is more likely to challenge your claim if you wait to see a doctor. Insurers may allege the injury did not result from the car accident but some other cause. They might try to minimize the injury’s seriousness based on how long it took to seek treatment. It harms the plaintiff’s credibility when there is a significant delay between the accident and a trip to the doctor.
Follow Doctor’s Orders
Once you receive a diagnosis and initial treatment, following doctor’s orders is imperative. That means attending all follow-up appointments and obeying any physical limitations on your activities.
Your medical records are available to the insurance company. If you skip appointments or do not engage in recommended physical therapy, that damages your claim for financial compensation.
Keep careful track of all medical expenses, including transportation to and from appointments. Keep receipts for all prescription and over-the-counter medications used for treatment. While your health insurer may pay the initial costs for your treatment, minus any co-pays, these medical costs are later compensated by the negligent party.
Contact our Team of Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyers
If you received serious injuries because of another driver’s negligence, contact an experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer at Salamati Law. Call or text us 24/7 to schedule a free consultation or complete our online form. Do not agree to any insurance settlement before obtaining legal counsel.
We will discuss the particulars of your claim and let you know your options. You pay no fee unless you receive compensation, as all work is performed on a contingency basis.
