Survivors may be in denial after a car accident and claim to feel well. Unfortunately, minor injuries that may appear fine now can be fatal later.
Injured individuals tend to underestimate the severity of their injuries to avoid going to the hospital, thinking that it will only be a waste of time and money. On the contrary, seeking hospital care can prevent further damage for specific reasons.
Erring on the side of caution
Calling for medical assistance is one of the immediate things to do after a North Carolina collision.
Some common signs that urgent care is necessary include severe pain, continuous bleeding, difficulty in breathing or loss of consciousness. However, a person may argue that their pain is negligible even if they unknowingly have internal bleeding.
Thus, it is critical for injured parties never to rely on what they seem to feel moments after the crash. Instead, it will be wise to have themselves checked at a hospital for the following reasons:
- Doctors can conduct an evaluation and request the appropriate tests to treat the affected body areas right away. They can also consider pre-existing health conditions that may worsen symptoms. Their thorough assessment can deter complications or infections.
- Medical expenses, such as hospital visits, follow-up appointments and prescriptions, can quantify the economic damage claimants may want to pursue.
- Medical records can establish the existence and progression of injuries to defendants and their insurance companies. Without official documentation, opposing parties may invalidate or reduce the extent of the damage.
Obtaining medical proof is only a part of the complex process of seeking compensation. Sometimes, hospital bills must come with other evidence, such as photos, surveillance videos and witness statements, to strengthen a claim.
Bracing for lingering pain and suffering
After receiving urgent treatment, the wreck’s traumatic impact may still linger much longer than injured parties hoped. They may experience delayed emotional disorders, making them qualified to pursue financial relief for intangible damage. As their path to healing may be a struggle, their legal team can work on the funds they need to pay hospital bills. Doing so can help them focus on regaining their physical strength and getting back on the road.