When you’re involved in a car accident, whether your car sustains substantial damage or just a few dents, you may feel fine, thus declining medical treatment. However, if you’re involved in a collision, it’s imperative to seek medical attention even if you feel okay, as some injuries may not present themselves immediately. As such, the following blog explores why it’s important to see a doctor following a collision and why you should contact Baltimore County car accident attorneys if you want to seek compensation for damages you’ve endured because of the other party’s negligence.
What Injuries Are Most Common After an Accident?
When you are involved in a car accident due to the negligence of another person, you may sustain several injuries, ranging from mild to life-threatening, depending on the severity of your accident. As such, familiarizing yourself with the harm you could sustain is critical involved in a collision. These injuries include, but are by no means limited to the following:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (most commonly concussions)
- Internal organ damage
- Sprains and strains
- Neck and back injuries
- Head injuries
- Lacerations
- Burns
Do I Really Need to See a Doctor After a Crash?
When involved in an accident, you may quickly assess yourself before determining that you feel fine. As a result, you may decline medical treatment at the accident scene. However, this is not recommended. When hurt in an accident, you may feel okay because of the adrenaline pumping through your body. This can mask any pain or injury you may otherwise experience. When you calm down and the shock wears off, you may be in severe pain or discomfort.
If you sustain injuries, it’s in your best interest to talk to the paramedics at the accident scene. They will examine you for signs of injury, and if they believe the matters are pressing, advise you to go to the emergency room.
If the emergency medical technicians clear you, you should still follow up with your doctor. This is important, as your doctor will likely want to examine you and make a note in your chart that you were involved in a collision. Your doctor may also send you for more extensive tests to ensure you are okay, such as diagnostic imaging.
It’s important to understand that Maryland is a contributory negligence state, which means that if you are deemed negligent in any way for the damages you sustained, you cannot collect compensation. As such, if you do not seek medical treatment, the defense can claim that you failed to mitigate damages by refusing to see a doctor, meaning your compensation will be compromised.
At the Law Offices of Markey & Orsi, our dedicated legal team will do everything possible to help you navigate these complicated matters. We understand how frustrating these issues can be, which is why our firm will exhaust all efforts to help you recover the compensation you’re entitled to. Connect with us today to learn more about these matters.
