People may not think they need to go to a doctor after an accident, especially if it’s a minor crash that results in little or no vehicle damage. However, this can be a costly mistake. Certain injuries may not present symptoms for hours, days, or even weeks after the initial trauma. By that time, if you try to pursue compensation without having seen a doctor right after the accident, the insurance company will claim that your injuries were not the result of the accident. Thus, in order to check your health and increase your ability to pursue compensation later on, it is a good idea to see a doctor after an accident, no matter how minor.
The Reality of Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries may not show symptoms for quite a while after an accident. However, a doctor can conduct a thorough examination to determine if you have underlying tissue injuries or other conditions that could cause pain in the future. It is important to see a doctor before accepting a settlement from the insurance company. If you sign an agreement, and require expensive medical treatment later on for injuries that did not appear until after the accident, you will be unable to pursue more compensation.
The human body is not designed to take sudden, unexpected jolts and impacts. Thus, even in a minor accident such as a fender bender, the jarring effect on the body may result in soft tissue injuries. If you have been involved in an accident, you may not even realize you have been injured until the initial shock wears off.
Soft tissue injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Sprained muscles or ligaments
- Contusions
- Strained muscles or tendons
Depending on the severity of the injuries, you may need to use hot and cold compresses, soft braces, and take anti-inflammatory pain medication. Plenty of rest, as well as physical therapy, may also be needed to treat your soft tissue injuries. Extreme injuries may require surgery or other more expensive treatment methods.
Don’t Wait – Call Your Doctor Immediately
If you are involved in an accident, you should request an appointment with your primary healthcare provider as soon as possible. He or she can check to make sure you don’t have any underlying injuries, and can also inform you of any long-term medical treatments and expenses you can expect if you are injured. By seeing your doctor immediately, you can provide evidence to use as you seek a financial settlement. You should request a copy of your medical records, and avoid settling with the insurance company until after you have been checked out by your doctor.
Upholding the Rights of Injured Victims in Phoenix
At Rafi Law Group, we are committed to providing excellent legal services to clients who have been injured by the negligence or carelessness of someone else. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident, our firm can help. We can investigate the incident, gather evidence to build your case, and represent you tenaciously from start to finish. Our Phoenix car accident attorneys are available 24/7 for consultations. We can answer your questions and provide informative legal assistance.
Contact us today for a free consultation.