The Necessity of Seeking Medical Attention After an Accident

You have been injured in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident, been bitten by a dog, or slipped, tripped, and fell on someone else’s property. No matter the type of accident, if someone else’s negligence caused it, you need to seek medical attention.

Being examined by a doctor as soon as possible after an accident is essential, even if you don’t think you are injured or think your injuries are minor. There are several reasons why you should leave the determination of whether you are injured to a medical professional.

If you have been the victim of someone’s negligence in Beloit, Janesville, or Rock County, Wisconsin, and you have not yet sought medical treatment, do so. It is vital to contact my firm, The Paul Benson Law Firm, to talk about what comes next.

Every accident is different, which makes the resulting injuries unique as well. However, there are some injuries that are common among accident victims. Some are readily apparent, such as a displaced fracture or open wound. Others may not be immediate, but that does not mean they aren’t serious.

Common accident injuries include whiplash and other soft tissue injuries caused by jarring impact. These injuries occur to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, including contusions, strains, and sprains.

It is also common to sustain injury to your bones and spine, including your neck, upper and low back. Hairline fractures may not be apparent right away, but they need to be diagnosed if they occur.

Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions, brain bruising, and bleeds may also be hidden injuries you don’t know you have. They can, however, be not only serious but life-threatening as well.

If for no other reason, you should seek medical care immediately following an accident for your own health and safety. Some injuries are masked by the rush of adrenaline you experience during an incident. Others are simply not noticeable for days, weeks, or even months later. An emergency room physician knows what injuries to look for, how to test for them, and how to prescribe appropriate treatment and follow-up. A delay in diagnosis can result in your inability to fully recover.

If you are injured and want to file a third-party liability claim against the person whose negligence caused the accident, or if you want to file for medical payment benefits under your own auto insurance policy, you will need to provide proof of a medical diagnosis and expenses related to the accident. Wisconsin is an at-fault state for accidents, so negligent parties are financially responsible for the damages suffered by their victims. If you delay seeking medical treatment, the insurance company may use it to deny your claim, alleging that either your injuries weren’t serious enough to warrant medical care or that you injured yourself some other way in the interim between the accident and the date of the diagnosis.

Do I Have to Follow a Treatment Plan Even If I Feel Better?

Seek Reliable Representation at The Paul Benson Law Firm