A car crash takes only a split second to occur, but the aftermath can last for hours, if not much longer. Depending on the location of the collision and several other factors, the drivers involved in a wreck may have to wait quite some time for police officers to come and put together a crash report. They may also need to make arrangements to have their vehicles towed, which can increase how long it takes to move on with their day after the crash occurs.
Many people become so frustrated with the consequences of a collision that they fail to take necessary steps for their protection afterward. Specifically, they may decide that they don’t need to see a doctor because they want to get to work or otherwise move on with their day. In most cases, taking the extra time to see a doctor can be a very smart decision for those involved in collisions.
Not all injuries are obvious
Some crash injuries are incredibly painful or visually evident. People may bleed profusely or be unable to use one of their arms because they broke a bone. They know they have to see a doctor for stitches or to have the bones set. Other people may have internal injuries that are invisible at first. Internal injuries include traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and internal bleeding.
People can hit their heads or experience inflammation of the brain because of violent vehicle motions. Their safety restraints can cause trauma to the torso that can lead to dangerous blood loss inside the body. Those conditions can slowly worsen unless the injured person sees a doctor to obtain a diagnosis and receive proper care.
Medical records can help with compensation claims
Most people with car crash injuries expect to file an insurance claim afterward. In more severe cases, they may even need to file personal injury lawsuits. The more time that passes between the initial crash and their diagnosis, the harder it may be to conclusively show that the collision was the cause of their injuries. Those who see a doctor can protect themselves from a scenario in which they could endanger their lives because their symptoms keep getting worse. They can also protect their right to seek compensation from the driver at fault for the crash.
Taking the extra time to see a doctor and evaluate whether a car crash caused invisible injuries could save someone’s life. People who receive the right care may recover more quickly and more completely than those who delay seeing a doctor.