A common question we hear at GJEL Accident Attorneys is, “I don’t feel hurt after my car accident. Should I see a doctor?”. After an accident, your adrenaline will be running and the scene may be a bit chaotic. If you don’t see a doctor following an accident it may be difficult to associate pains that start occurring a few days after the accident.

Some of the common symptoms to appear a few days after an accident are:

  • Pain: Physical pain reoccurring in a previously injured area or a new area.
  • Discomfort: General discomfort throughout your body.
  • Dizziness: Getting dizzy when you previously did not.
  • Numbness: Any numbness in the body.

The advice to see a doctor right away is to protect your health and make sure your body is OK. Ideally, you should see a doctor within 72 hours of the accident.

Sometimes People Don’t Seek Medical Attention Because The Accident Was Their Fault

Don’t let this stop you from getting immediate medical attention. In fact, according to Fred Koberlein, Jr., a Lake City, FL car accident lawyer, “First, seek medical attention. Even if you are not at fault your insurance will cover up to $10,000.00 dollars of the initial expenses, and possibly more.”

Don’t Be Tough & Wait It Out

One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to be tough and not seeing a doctor or just waiting for the pain to go away. Since insurance companies use computer data to determine whether a claim is valid, the sooner you can get to a doctor the better.

How long should you wait to see a doctor after a car accident?

After a car collision in California, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible, regardless of the severity of the injuries. Many people may delay seeking medical help, but this could be a huge mistake. Not only can this decision affect your health, but it can also affect your insurance claim and the amount of compensation you receive.

Here are some important reasons to see a doctor after a vehicle accident in California:

• Injury Treatment and Pain Management: A doctor can conduct a thorough examination and detect any injuries or complications that you may be unaware of. Some victims may not realize that they have suffered broken bones, organ damage, or brain injuries. If left untreated, these injuries can lead to more severe damage or infections. A doctor can order x-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to diagnose hidden complications and put you on a treatment plan to manage your injuries.

• Evidence Collection: Seeking medical attention immediately after a car accident can create a record of your injuries and tie them to the incident. In case you decide to file an insurance claim or a lawsuit, this record can serve as evidence to prove the cause of your injuries.

• Insurance Claim: Many insurance companies set a “reasonable time” window for a claimant to seek medical help after an accident. If you delay seeking medical attention beyond this time, the insurance company may assume that your injury is not serious, and this can affect your claim. It is important to see a doctor within a reasonable time frame after a vehicle accident in California.

• Delayed Injuries: In some cases, the full extent of the injuries may not show up for days or even weeks after the accident. Soft tissue injuries, for example, may not be easy to diagnose. You should always see a doctor as soon as you feel any pain or discomfort, even if it is days after the collision.

If you have been in a vehicle collision in California, it is essential to seek medical attention, regardless of the severity of your injuries. If you don’t have a primary care physician, your California personal injury attorney can refer you to medical facilities that treat auto accident victims throughout the state.

In addition to seeking medical attention, there are other steps that you should take after a car accident in California. You should call an ambulance, contact the police, and seek legal advice from a California car accident attorney. You should also exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved in the accident and take photographs of the damage to the vehicles and the accident scene.

If you delay seeking medical attention after a car accident in California, you may be putting your health and your legal rights at risk. Seeking immediate medical attention is not only important for your well-being, but it can also help you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.