The key steps to take after an auto accident include getting to safety, assessing your injuries and documenting the details of the incident.
In the moments after a car crash, however, your nervous system takes over and impacts your reaction to the event. Depending on your body’s adrenaline response, you may not feel the extent of your injuries until sometime later.
Refusing medical attention
Auto accidents create a tremendous amount of force, even at low speeds. Even if you feel okay at the scene, you may suffer from one or more of these common conditions, for which symptoms often appear hours, days or weeks post-trauma:
- Concussion
- Whiplash
- Soft tissue damage
After all, you are busy worrying about accident reports, insurance claims and car repairs that are bound to consume the next several weeks of your life. Regardless, seeking medical care immediately after a crash is essential for making sure your physical health is intact.
Facing legal repercussions
If you begin to feel poorly after the fact, you may attribute your pain to the collision. However, depending on how much time passes between the crash and your visit to a medical care facility, you may have trouble proving your injuries are accident-related. If the insurance company denies your claim, you could be stuck with hefty medical bills you do not deserve.
Vehicle accidents are harrowing experiences, but your actions after a crash can help you secure a fair settlement for damages and lost wages along with compensation for your pain and suffering.