Why You Should Seek Immediate Medical Treatment After a Car Accident

Car accidents can be both physically and emotionally traumatic. Beyond the initial stress and shock, many individuals often delay or forego medical treatment, convinced they are “fine.” However, failing to seek immediate medical care after an accident can have serious consequences—for your health and your ability to recover compensation if the accident wasn’t your fault. Whether or not you feel pain or notice immediate injuries, seeing a medical professional promptly is one of the most critical steps you can take after a car crash.

This blog will examine the hidden injuries that may arise, why delaying treatment hurts your personal injury claim, and the steps you should take to protect yourself physically and legally.

Hidden Injuries That May Not Show Immediate Symptoms

Car accidents often result in adrenaline spikes that can mask the severity of an injury. This is why many accident victims walk away from the scene feeling “fine,” only to experience pain or other symptoms hours or days later. Soft-tissue injuries, including whiplash, are prime examples. Whiplash occurs when the head is jerked forward and backward violently, causing strain on the neck and shoulders. While you might not feel pain immediately after your accident, symptoms like stiffness, soreness, or reduced range of motion can take up to 24 hours—or longer—to develop.

Another common yet delayed injury is a concussion. You don’t need to lose consciousness to suffer a concussion; even a minor blow to the head can result in dizziness, headaches, or memory problems that only surface with time. Back injuries, including herniated discs, follow a similar pattern. A minor discomfort in your back immediately after the accident could hide a deeper issue that worsens without treatment.

Internal injuries, like organ damage or internal bleeding, are among the most dangerous examples, as these conditions can be life-threatening and have no outward indicators. Only a medical examination—including imaging techniques like X-rays or MRIs—can detect such injuries. This is why it’s critical to seek medical care right away, even if you feel unharmed at first.

The Impact of Delaying Medical Treatment on Personal Injury Claims

Seeking immediate medical attention isn’t just about your well-being—it’s also vital for protecting your personal injury claim. Virginia law allows accident victims to pursue compensation for damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, if you delay medical care, the insurance company or the defendant’s legal team may argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the car accident.

Insurance companies are always looking for ways to minimize their payouts, and a delay in medical treatment provides them with an easy argument. They may claim that you must not have been seriously injured or that your injuries were caused by something unrelated to the accident. Essentially, delaying treatment weakens the credibility of your case.

Medical records are one of the most critical pieces of evidence in a personal injury claim. By seeing a doctor promptly after the accident, you create a documented timeline linking your injuries directly to the crash. This timeline becomes harder to dispute in court or during settlement negotiations. Furthermore, following the recommended treatment plan outlined by your doctor demonstrates your commitment to recovery, enhancing the validity of your claim.

What To Do After a Car Accident

Taking proactive steps immediately after a car accident can help protect your health and strengthen your case should you pursue legal action. The first step is to ensure the safety of everyone involved. If you’re able, move your vehicle to a safe location and call the authorities to report the accident. This ensures there is an official accident report, which is crucial if you plan to file a personal injury claim later.

Once emergency personnel arrive, accept medical attention on the scene, even if you feel fine. Allowing a first responder to check your vital signs and assess visible injuries is essential. If you are not taken to an emergency room, you should still visit your primary care physician or an urgent care facility as soon as possible. Even a short delay could complicate your health or your legal case.

Document as much as you can at the scene of the accident. Take photographs of the aftermath, exchange contact information with the other driver, and gather witness statements if there are any bystanders. Being thorough in this step provides an additional layer of evidence that can support your injury claim.

After receiving the necessary medical care, consult with a car accident lawyer experienced in Virginia Beach law, like Deering Hedrick. An experienced attorney will review the details of your case, help you gather evidence, and assist in negotiating with insurance companies. Having the guidance of a legal professional ensures your rights are protected and increases your chances of a fair settlement.

Protect Your Health and Your Future

Seeking immediate medical treatment after a car accident isn’t just an important step—it’s a necessary one. Hidden injuries can worsen without prompt intervention, and delaying care can jeopardize your personal injury claim. Even if you feel fine, it’s crucial to seek a medical evaluation immediately following a crash to rule out injuries that may not be apparent to the naked eye.

At Deering Hedrick, we understand how overwhelming the aftermath of a car accident can be. Our experienced team of car accident attorneys in Virginia Beach is here to help you every step of the way, from protecting your health to fighting for the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 757-383-6848 for a free consultation and put yourself on the path to recovery—both physically and financially.