After an auto accident, you may consider yourself lucky to have survived a collision without any obvious major injuries. However, even minor injuries from a crash can lead to severe medical issues later.
That makes it essential to seek medical care as soon as possible. In addition to catching potential issues early, getting a medical assessment may be invaluable if your condition worsens and you need additional compensation for your injuries.
Why playing it safe makes sense
There are many types of crash injuries that can take days or even weeks to fully emerge. Spinal damage, joint injuries and head trauma are all examples of conditions whose seriousness may not be obvious until later.
If you wait to get a medical assessment, it may already be too late for early treatment. Additionally, you may find that the insurance company argues that because you delayed a diagnosis, your injuries were not actually the result of the crash.
How to document your injuries
Visiting your doctor immediately after an accident not only protects your health but is also important for creating clear documentation of your injuries. In addition to keeping track of all medical records related to the collision, you may want to create a personal journal. Make sure to include daily details about pain levels, lack of mobility and other physical issues as well as mental effects, such as anxiety, depression or difficulty in your romantic or family relationships.
It is also important to keep in mind that you only have a limited amount of time to file a personal injury claim. In Alabama, you typically must bring a claim within two years of the date of your accident.
