An accident can happen anytime and anywhere. Whether it be a car accident or a slip and fall, these incidents can cause serious physical pain and emotional damage. If these events were to ever happen to you, one of the best things to do is to seek medical attention immediately.

Why? Receiving medical care after an accident can help you know the kinds of injuries you sustained, detect any hidden injuries, provide you with the right treatment for a full recovery, and even be the proof you need for compensation.

In this blog post, we’ll explain the benefits of seeking medical attention and what you should do after an accident.

Reasons You Should Seek Medical Attention After an Accident

After an accident, it is normal for you to feel overwhelmed and confused. You might even be tempted to ignore your injuries and move on with your life. However, that would be the worst mistake you could make for your long-term health and well-being.

These are some of the other reasons you should seek medical attention after a car accident: 

•         Detecting hidden injuries: Most injuries after an accident may not be felt right away, but if left undetected and untreated, they can worsen over time. However, a thorough medical examination can help you identify these injuries and give you the treatment you need.
•         An adequate treatment: With a prescribed medical treatment, not only will you have a complete recovery, but you may reduce the risk of any long-term complications down the road. A doctor may also provide you with physical therapy and medication to relieve your pain and reduce inflammation, as well as provide rehabilitation exercises to help strengthen injured areas.
•         Legal protection: If you were injured in an accident, whether it be at work, in traffic, or a public area —and the incident was caused by someone else’s negligence— you should seek medical attention immediately. By doing so, you’ll be able to document your injuries which can then help you establish that your injuries were indeed caused by someone else.

What are the cases in which seeking medical attention is even more important?

In some cases, seeking medical attention after an accident is even more important due to the severity of the injuries. These physical damages should be detected and treated as soon as possible to avoid further complications. Here are some specific examples of injuries where you shouldn’t waste time in seeking medical attention:

•         Head injuries: Any blow to the head shouldn’t be taken lightly. It can lead to serious complications, including brain contusions, skull fractures, and hemorrhages. If you get hit in the head, seek medical attention immediately to detect and treat these injuries as soon as possible.
•         Spinal cord injuries: After an accident, any injury or blow to the spine is another major concern. It can cause fractures, dislocations, and severe trauma to the back and spine. If you feel you have a spinal cord injury, stay as still as possible and call 911 to receive medical attention immediately.
•         Internal organ damage: Any internal organ injury can be hard to detect at first but can be life-threatening if left untreated. If you feel abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms that may suggest internal damage, find medical attention right away.

What other steps should I take after an accident?

Seeking medical care is just the beginning of what you should do after an accident. Other steps include:

•         If you had a car accident, you’ll need to also call the cops for them to arrive at the accident scene. They can provide you with an official police report that clarifies who was most likely at fault.
•         If you had a workplace accident, you’ll need to notify your employer right away about what happened. If you wait more than a month to report what happened, you may lose on receiving your workers’ comp benefits.
•         Gather as much evidence as possible. Take pictures of the accident scene and your injuries, and get the names and contact information of witnesses. All of these proofs can help you back up your claim.
•         Contact an accident attorney. If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, a lawyer can help you receive compensation for your damages.

Here are some final words for you

For you to get back on your feet after an accident, the best decision you can make is to seek medical attention right away to detect and treat your injuries. That is why when you visit an emergency room or a physician, disclose all information about the incident, the pain you feel, and any questions you may have. It doesn’t matter if you don’t feel pain right away. Always get yourself checked to avoid any future health complications.

The other step you should take is to contact an attorney to help you with your case. If you’re not sure whom to reach out to, at Castan & Lecca, our team of exceptional attorneys is ready to fight your personal injury, car accident, or workers’ comp case.

Not only are we willing to hear your story and provide you with a legal strategy, but if needed, we can also point you to medical care professionals we trust to give you the treatment you deserve.

If you have been injured due to an accident, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys.