Why You Should See a Doctor After a Dallas Car Accident?
After a car accident, it's common to think, "I feel fine."
Maybe you're shaken up, but you don't have any obvious injuries. Your car is damaged, you're worried about insurance, and you simply want to get home.
But some car accident injuries don't become apparent immediately. That's why seeking medical attention after a collision can be an important step, even if you initially feel okay.
Your health should always be the first priority. Medical documentation can also become important if you later need to pursue compensation for accident-related injuries.
Some Injuries Take Time to Appear
The physical effects of a collision aren't always obvious at the scene.
Symptoms from injuries such as whiplash, soft-tissue injuries, concussions, and other trauma may not be immediately noticeable. Adrenaline and the stress of a crash can also make it difficult to accurately assess how you're feeling.
If you develop pain, headaches, dizziness, numbness, weakness, difficulty concentrating, or other concerning symptoms after a crash, seek medical attention.
Even when symptoms seem minor, it's worth discussing them with a qualified medical professional.
A Doctor Can Help Determine the Extent of Your Injuries
One of the biggest reasons to seek medical care is simple: you may not know how seriously you were injured.
A medical professional can evaluate your symptoms, diagnose injuries, recommend appropriate treatment, and monitor your recovery.
If additional treatment becomes necessary, having a medical record documenting the progression of your injuries can also provide a clearer picture of what you experienced after the accident.
Medical Records Can Become Important Evidence
Medical records aren't necessarily proof of who caused an accident. Evidence such as photographs, witness statements, video footage, and police reports may be more relevant to establishing liability.
But medical records can help document what happened to your body after the collision.
Your records may document:
Your symptoms
Diagnoses
Medical examinations
Imaging and test results
Treatment recommendations
Prescriptions
Follow-up appointments
Physical therapy or rehabilitation
Your progress over time
Texas Department of Insurance advises accident victims to keep medical records and bills if they receive treatment after a wreck.
What If You Don't Have Health Insurance?
Don't assume you should simply ignore an injury because you don't have health insurance.
The options available to you can depend on your circumstances, insurance coverage, the severity of your injuries, and other factors. For example, Texas auto policies can include medical payments coverage and personal injury protection (PIP), while uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may also be relevant in certain accidents.
If you're unsure how medical treatment could affect your situation, consider speaking with a Texas personal injury attorney about your options.
Follow Your Doctor's Recommendations
Once you've been evaluated, follow your healthcare provider's recommendations.
If your doctor recommends follow-up appointments, physical therapy, medication, or additional testing, don't simply stop treatment without discussing it with your provider.
If you're having difficulty following a treatment plan because of cost, transportation, work, or another issue, communicate with your medical provider rather than simply disappearing from treatment.
Your recovery is the priority.
Don't Assume Feeling Better Means You're Fully Recovered
Some injuries can improve and then return. Others may take significant time to heal.
That's why it's important to pay attention to how you're feeling in the days and weeks following an accident.
Keep track of your symptoms and how they affect your everyday life. For example, note if you're having difficulty:
Sleeping
Driving
Working
Exercising
Caring for children
Performing household tasks
Sitting or standing for long periods
This information can help you and your medical providers understand your recovery.
What If the Insurance Company Asks About Your Medical Treatment?
Insurance companies will typically investigate injury claims and may request medical documentation related to the accident. Texas Department of Insurance explains that insurers may request medical reports and bills when evaluating an accident claim.
Be truthful about your injuries and treatment, but remember that an insurance adjuster is evaluating your claim on behalf of the insurance company.
If you're seriously injured or the insurance company disputes your claim, consider speaking with an attorney before making decisions about a settlement or signing a release.
How Soon Should You See a Doctor After a Car Accident?
There's no universal treatment schedule that applies to every accident or every injury.
If you are experiencing symptoms or believe you may have been injured, seek appropriate medical attention promptly. If you have an emergency or serious symptoms, call 911 or go to an emergency department.
The important thing is not to ignore your health simply because you initially feel okay.
The Bottom Line
After a Dallas car accident, your first priority should be your health.
Seeking medical attention can:
Identify injuries you may not immediately recognize.
Help you receive appropriate treatment.
Create documentation of your symptoms and diagnosis.
Establish a record of your recovery.
Provide information that may become relevant to an insurance or personal injury claim.
You don't need to wait until you're in severe pain to take your health seriously.
If you were injured in a Dallas car accident caused by someone else's negligence, The J. Bock Firm can help you understand your legal options.
Related Resources
[INTERNAL LINK — What to Do After a Car Accident in Dallas: A Step-by-Step Guide]
[INTERNAL LINK — What Evidence Can Prove Who Caused a Car Accident in Texas?]
[INTERNAL LINK — How Insurance Companies Calculate Car Accident Settlements]