Regardless of whether you feel any significant pain after a major accident, it can be critical to get medical attention. Refusing to see a doctor after an accident can have significant repercussions, both legally and medically. Here are some of the reasons you should always see a doctor after getting in a major accident:

  1. You may be injured and not realize it
    • Not all injuries, even potentially serious injuries, are immediately obvious. Bone fractures, strained muscles, and concussions can all go undetected for days or weeks without a proper evaluation from a doctor or other trained medical professional. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are especially notorious for going undetected, earning the moniker of “the invisible injury” for this reason.
  2. Untreated injuries tend to get worse
    • Unfortunately, just because you have not felt pain from an injury does not mean it is not getting worse. Continued use of a fractured bone can cause it to develop into a full break, while a strained muscle can become a full tear if left untreated. Seeing a doctor soon after an accident will let you get it treated and prevent it from becoming worse than it already was.
  3. You need contemporaneous medical records
    • When you are seeking money from an insurance company for injuries you suffered, having contemporaneous medical records is essential. If you wait too long to see a doctor before getting treated, the insurance company may decide there is not sufficient proof that your injuries were tied to the accident, and refuse to cover it. At that point, you may be paying for your medical costs out of pocket.
  4. You will likely be bargaining with insurance companies
    • When you get an offer of payment from an insurer for any injuries you have suffered, that is just an initial offer. You can negotiate for a better settlement, but to do that, you will need proof of your injuries to bargain. Without medical records from a doctor to show the extent of your injuries, though, you will be fighting an uphill battle in those negotiations.
  5. You may need evidence if you go to trial
    • If you are unable to reach a settlement with an insurer for payment for your injuries, you may go to trial. At that point, medical records from your trial can become critical evidence that can make the difference between getting what you deserve, and getting nothing. That is why you should always make sure to see a doctor right after an accident.

 

If you have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you should contact the Tennessee personal injury lawyers at the Keith Williams Law Group. With convenient offices located in Nashville and Lebanon, our lawyers will work with you to create a litigation strategy that protects your legal rights and serves your personal needs. For more information or a free consultation, please contact us at 615-444-2900 or visit our contact page.