It’s understandable that you would want to go straight home after being involved in a car accident. The stress of talking to police officers, notifying family members, and spending hours at the accident scene can be overwhelming, and you just want to get back to comfortable and familiar surroundings. However, victims who fail to get medical attention before returning home may have a more difficult time with a personal injury claim. 
Why Seek Medical Treatment After a Car Accident
It’s easy to make mistakes after a car accident, but refusing medical care is one of the most costly. Some victims may assume they are not seriously injured, while others may fear the cost of emergency room treatment. No matter what your condition is after an accident, it is always worth it to be checked by a doctor before you return home.
There are many reasons victims should see a doctor after a crash, including:
Preventing further injuries.
When it comes to your health, it is always better to be safe than sorry. A checkup after an accident can detect conditions that appear minor at the outset (such as hematoma or compartment syndrome) that can be fatal if left untreated.
Collecting medical evidence.
Victims are often in shock after a crash, causing their brains to block the worst of the pain in their bodies. This is why people who report minor injuries at the scene may feel debilitating pain in the days after the crash. If victims wait to see a doctor, the injury may be attributed to something other than the crash. X-rays, scans, and diagnostic tests performed hours after the crash can serve as vital evidence of your injuries.
Protecting your accident case.
The adrenaline rush of a crash can cause victims to say things that can hurt them later, even if they are not in their right state of mind. If you tell police officers at the scene that you are “fine” or refuse to be examined by emergency responders, it may be recorded and used by the insurance company. However, if you consent to medical treatment and a serious injury is detected, your initial remarks are easier to ignore because you are not a medical professional and you acted like a reasonable person by going to the hospital.
Have You Been Injured In A Car Accident?
If you've been hurt in a car accident you need to speak to an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Warwick office directly at 401.946.3200 to schedule your free consultation. We help accident victims in Providence, Warwick and all areas of Rhode Island.
