Car accidents are unfortunately common on Ohio roads, and while your first instinct after a crash might be to ensure everyone is safe and assess vehicle damage, attending to your health should be a top priority. If you’ve been involved in an accident, you might wonder, “Should I go to the doctor after a car accident?”
The answer is a resounding yes. Visiting a doctor promptly can benefit your health and any potential legal claims you might pursue. Here are several reasons why you should see a doctor after an Ohio car accident.
If you require help seeking compensation for injuries from an accident in Ohio, call us at (419) 455-1410 to book a consultation.
Immediate Medical Attention
Seeking immediate medical attention can help uncover hidden injuries and prevent complications. Even if nothing is wrong, the peace of mind it brings is invaluable.
Detect Hidden Injuries
After a car accident, the adrenaline and shock can mask injury symptoms. Conditions like whiplash, internal bleeding, or concussions might not show immediate symptoms but can be severe. A doctor’s visit ensures that these hidden injuries are detected and treated promptly. Delaying medical care can lead to complications, making it crucial to seek medical attention even if you feel fine.
Prevent Long-Term Complications
Early medical intervention can prevent minor injuries from turning into major health issues. For instance, untreated soft tissue injuries can lead to chronic pain or mobility issues. By visiting a doctor, you can receive the necessary treatments and prevent long-term health problems.
Provides Peace of Mind
Even if you feel fine after an accident, seeing a doctor can give you peace of mind. Knowing that a medical professional has thoroughly checked you can alleviate worries about potential hidden injuries. This assurance can be comforting, especially in the days following the accident when stress levels are typically high.
Legal Benefits
There are also several legal benefits when seeking medical treatment following an accident.
Documenting Your Injuries
From a legal standpoint, having a detailed medical record is vital. It serves as evidence that your injuries were a direct result of the car accident. This documentation can be crucial if you file a personal injury claim. Without this documentation, insurance companies might dispute the extent or even the existence of your injuries.
Establishing a Timeline
Going to the doctor immediately after the accident helps establish a clear timeline of events, linking your injuries directly to the accident. It can be particularly useful if there are disputes about the cause of your injuries. A prompt medical visit shows that you took your health seriously and sought treatment immediately.
When Is It Too Late to Go to the Doctor After a Car Accident?
Ideally, you should see a doctor as soon as possible after the accident. However, if some time has passed, it’s better to visit a doctor later than never. How long do you have to go to the doctor after a car accident? There is often a window within which insurance companies consider medical claims valid. This information is important if you plan to bring a first-party claim, such as med pay.
Try seeing a doctor within 72 hours of the accident to ensure that your injuries are documented and your legal claim remains strong. Some types of insurance claims do have restrictions on how long it takes you to seek treatment.
Signs You Should Go to the Hospital After a Car Accident
There are certain symptoms and injuries that you should not ignore after an accident.
Headaches, Dizziness, or Confusion
These symptoms can indicate a concussion or other traumatic brain injuries. If you experience head issues, you should go to the hospital after an accident.
Severe Pain or Swelling
If you experience severe pain or swelling in any part of your body, it could be a sign of a serious injury, such as fractures or internal bleeding. Immediate medical attention is necessary to prevent further complications.
Numbness or Weakness
Numbness or weakness in your limbs can indicate nerve damage or spinal injuries. These symptoms require urgent medical evaluation to prevent permanent damage.
Why Choose Bensinger Legal Services
Aaron Bensinger of Bensinger Legal Services brings extensive experience from both big-city practice and local cases in Northwest Ohio. His client-focused approach ensures that each case receives the personalized attention it deserves. Whether you’re from Lima, Elida, Shawnee, Perry, Findlay, Kenton, or Van Wert, Aaron is committed to helping you navigate the complexities of personal injury claims.
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming. Aaron Bensinger understands your stress and challenges and provides empathetic, professional legal guidance. He works tirelessly to protect your rights and helps you pursue the compensation you deserve.
If you have questions about whether you should go to a doctor after a car accident, contact Bensinger Legal Services. Visiting a doctor ensures that injuries are detected and treated early, provides necessary medical documentation, and offers peace of mind.
Don’t delay seeking medical attention—your health and future well-being depend on it. If you need assistance pursuing compensation for injuries sustained in an Ohio accident, contact us at (419) 455-1410 to schedule a consultation.
Aaron L. Bensinger is an Ohio attorney serving personal injury and civil litigation clients. He has extensive trial experience and makes client service is his primary focus. As a partner at Balyeat, Leahy, Daley, Miller & Bensinger, LLC, Aaron happily works in Lima, OH, and serves the entire Northwest region of the state and beyond.
Loading...