If you are severely injured in an auto accident, then calling 911 is a matter of course. But if you were in a minor accident, you may question the necessity of seeing a doctor after an auto accident in Kentucky. It may seem to save you time and energy to avoid the doctor after an auto accident, but doing so could jeopardize your chances of receiving the right medical attention, as well as your chances of being fully compensated for physical and psychological damages. Hidden Injuries Often, people go into shock after a car wreck, causing you to feel no pain and assume you are fine. Shock masks injuries that can present themselves days–or even weeks–after a car wreck. The most common injuries resulting from car accidents are:
- Head and traumatic brain injuries
- Neck and spinal cord injuries
- Back and face injuries
Even if you suffer no physical harm, the psychological effects of experiencing a wreck, or seeing a fellow passenger endangered or injured, can leave lasting damage. While you may not notice some injuries for several days, a physician should be able to detect problems right away. Financial Drawbacks of Foregoing Medical Attention If you forego medical assistance after an auto accident in Kentucky, you may end up sacrificing much more than the time and money saved by not going. If you end up requiring medical attention days after the accident, your injuries may be harder to treat than they would have been initially. Not seeing a doctor after a wreck could have legal ramifications as well. If you do not seek medical attention immediately after an accident, an insurance company may decide your injuries were not the direct result of the accident, and can deny coverage for them. If insurance decides against paying, you are responsible for the full cost of your medical bills. In a legal dispute, the more time you leave between the accident and medical attention, the easier it is for the other side to argue that your injuries occurred as the result of something other than the accident. When you are in a car wreck, consult a lawyer as soon as possible to determine if you need an auto accident lawyer. Guidelines for Seeking Medical Attention There are certain guidelines you should follow when seeing a doctor after an auto accident in Kentucky. These best practices are not legally required, but they do maximize your chances of receiving full compensation for injuries resulting from an auto accident:
- Accept any medical treatment offered at the scene of the accident.
- See your doctor within 72 hours and request a full examination.
- Make and keep follow-up appointments with any specialists your doctor recommends.
- Ask for records of all exams so you have them in case a dispute arises.
- Follow all of your doctor’s orders to the letter, so that the defense cannot claim your injury is the result of not heeding medical advice.
- Take notes and photos of your injuries as well as your car, where applicable.
- Keep proof of financial losses, such as wages lost due to work absences and missed career opportunities.
If you are injured in a car wreck, seek medical attention first, following the above guidelines. Then, consult with an experienced auto accident attorney about the compensation to which you are entitled. If you have been injured in an auto accident in Kentucky, contact Edwards & Kautz Law Firm at 270-908-4914 to schedule a free legal consultation concerning your case. We can help you get the compensation you deserve. *Photo by AFD Medic 3 courtesy of Flikr