Do I Need to See a Doctor After a Car Accident?

Nearly half of car and motorcycle accidents every year result in injury, some of which are serious. If you’ve been in a car accident, you may walk away thinking you’re uninjured. However, there’s a chance that you simply haven’t felt your injury yet. Here is why it is always a good idea to see your doctor after experiencing a car accident.

Why Should I See a Doctor for My Car Accident Injury?

In the aftermath of a car accident, your body produces an excess amount of adrenaline that can mask pain. However, once the rush of adrenaline subsides, pain can quickly appear from an injury you didn’t know you suffered. Most delayed injuries don’t immediately have symptoms but still require treatment. Not addressing such injuries could worsen your health and cause additional issues over time. While you may be experiencing what seems like minor injuries like bruises or a headache, they may actually be symptoms of more serious injuries like internal damage or whiplash.

Can I File a Claim if I Don’t Go to the Hospital?

Missouri’s statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim is five years, but you should begin keeping record of any injuries as soon as you notice them. Just because you have a long time to file a claim for your car accident injury, doesn’t mean you should. Seeing a doctor soon after an accident or as soon as you feel pain helps you gather x-rays and documentation to build your case.

Can Not Seeing a Doctor Hurt My Claim?

If you’re filing a claim for your car accident injury, you’ll need to show your proof of injury as well as any treatment that took place. The longer you delay seeking medical treatment, the weaker your case will be. The negligent party will be able to claim your injuries weren’t from the car accident but from something else that occurred afterward. This means you will receive less money for your pain and suffering than you deserve.

Contact Your Missouri Car Accident Lawyers

After seeking treatment, the first thing you’ll want to do is contact a legal professional to begin building your case. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Missouri, rely on the professionals at Lanzotti & Rau. To learn more about our legal services or how we handle our car accident injury cases, call us today at 573-335-9300 to schedule your free consultation.