In 2020, there were more than 340,000 car accidents in the state of Florida. Of these 340,000 accidents, there were 3,347 fatalities and 212,535 injuries. Unfortunately, this isn’t a trend that seems to be falling.
If you have ever been in a car accident, you know how scary and confusing the situation can be. While at the scene, you may not think your injuries are serious enough to warrant you getting checked out by a doctor, resulting in you simply going home. For many people, this is a huge mistake.
You must have the paramedics on the scene check you over or go to the hospital or your own doctor for an evaluation after any car accident – even a simple fender bender. Some of the reasons this is so important can be found here.
Also, if you are involved in a car accident, be sure to consult with our legal team at Zimmet & Zimmet, who can help ensure your rights are protected.
1. Not All Injuries Are Apparent Right Away
Some more serious car accident injuries will not be noticeable at the scene of the accident. A common example of an injury that may show up later is a head injury.
Many people who experience a head injury feel fine for a while. However, when the adrenaline starts to wear off, they may begin to experience concussion symptoms.
By going to the doctor – even when you feel fine – you can know for sure if there is any damage or trauma that needs to be treated.
2. You Don’t Know How Extensive Your Injuries May Be
No matter the extensiveness of your injuries on the surface, you must be checked out after a car accident. It’s important to have a medical professional assess if you need treatment for the injuries you sustained.
This is true regardless of if you are bleeding, in pain, or have other small issues that seem insignificant. These could be symptoms of a more serious underlying injury that needs immediate attention and treatment.
Also, most auto insurance companies require that you go to the doctor within 72 hours of the accident. When you do this, you can feel confident you will get the full amount of compensation you deserve for the accident. Essentially, going to the doctor after an accident can help protect your well-being, overall health, and financial situation.
3. Waiting to Seek Treatment May Reduce Your Compensation
If you wait for a long time to go to the doctor, your insurance company may claim you are “faking” your claimed injuries. After all, few people hide serious injuries, especially if it was caused by a car accident.
Because of this, the insurance company may minimize your settlement or dispute the case. If you delay seeking treatment, it can cause your claim to seem invalid, and this is the last thing that you want to happen.
4. Determine the Long-Term Impact of the Accident on Your Health
Unfortunately, some injuries may impact your life and ability to work in the future. If you don’t seek medical evaluation immediately, you may be sacrificing your ability to claim damages that are needed to cover the long-term impact of the injury.
Several possible long-term injuries may occur.
One is whiplash, which is extremely common. This occurs when your head is jerked in a front and backward motion quickly. Sometimes, the symptoms of whiplash can take several days to come to the surface.
Another issue may be a neck or head injury. While some injuries to this part of your body will be obvious, others will not. You could have a traumatic brain injury or concussion that does not show up right away. With immediate medical care, you can determine what type of injuries you have, if they will have a long-term impact on your life, and then your attorney can use this information to help ensure you receive a fair amount of compensation.
5. Official Medical Records Provide Protection
When your injuries are officially documented, it will help your attorney build a strong case and help you receive the compensation you deserve. If you go to the emergency room after a car accident, be sure you request a copy of all the medical documents they have. Give these to your attorney, who can then use them as leverage when working to settle your case.
Hire Our Team for Help with Your Car Accident Case
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed after a Florida car accident. While this is true, it is no reason to put off seeking medical treatment. As you can see from the information here, it is crucial to ensure you are healthy, can fully heal, and help you get the compensation you deserve. If you have questions about your case or would like to talk to our professional legal team at Zimmet & Zimmet, contact us by calling (386) 210-3720.
