The Importance of Seeking Prompt Medical Attention After a Car Accident

At first, it might seem like prompt medical attention is an obvious priority after a car accident. After all, who wouldn’t see a doctor after a car accident? However, the importance of prompt treatment is more complex for a number of reasons. First, many victims avoid seeking treatment due to the high cost of healthcare in the United States. Secondly, prompt treatment is vital from a legal perspective, and it can make or break an auto accident lawsuit in Texas. Speak with David Sanchez Law Group, PLLC, to learn more about this subject by calling (972) 529-3476.

You May Not Be Aware of Your Own Injuries

Many accident victims are unaware of their own injuries. Although this might seem impossible, it is more common than you might realize. A common example is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). This type of injury can cause a range of issues that make it difficult for the patient to detect its severity. Even a slight knock to the head can cause an intracranial hemorrhage – also known as a “brain bleed.” Many TBI victims have died suddenly weeks after their accidents because of increased bleeding within the brain. The pressure caused by this bleeding is often undetectable, causing victims to die without warning.

In addition, brain injuries can cause memory loss. You might regain consciousness after a car accident with no memory of what actually happened. This is called “amnesia,” and it makes it difficult to remember how and when you were struck on the head. Always seek medical attention if you suspect that you might have suffered a head injury. CT scans and other tests can help doctors detect issues like hemorrhages, brain damage, and other consequences.

There are many other types of injuries that could be difficult for victims to detect. Unless you get an accurate diagnosis, it is impossible to determine the true extent of your injuries.

Medical Records Represent Crucial Evidence

Your medical records represent vital evidence in a subsequent lawsuit. If you cannot prove that your injuries are real, then you cannot sue. If you never see a doctor, these medical records will never have been created, and you will lack this important evidence.

Even a slight delay in seeking treatment could pose legal issues. Defendants and their insurers could argue that your injuries cannot have been that serious because you waited so long to seek treatment. They might argue that if your injuries were really serious, you would have seen a doctor immediately instead of waiting days or weeks. These arguments can be difficult to refute.

A Personal Injury Lawsuit Can Pay for Your Medical Expenses

Many patients are reluctant to seek treatment because of the costs involved. It is no secret that healthcare has become incredibly expensive in the United States, and you might worry about paying for these costs out of your own pocket. Even if you have health insurance, you might be anxious about deductibles and co-pays. If you lack insurance, healthcare might seem completely out of reach.

In this situation, it is important to remember that a personal injury lawsuit can cover your medical expenses in their entirety. Medical expenses represent an example of “economic damages,” and you can claim them in your lawsuit. If your lawsuit is successful, you should recover enough compensation to cover all of your various healthcare costs. Often, this compensation comes in the form of an insurance settlement.

As long as someone else was to blame for your accident, you should be able to receive compensation for your crash. This highlights the need to work with an experienced lawyer who can help you prove negligence. Even if you were partially to blame for your own accident, it may still be possible to pursue compensation for your medical expenses. This is due to Texas’s “modified comparative negligence” system.

When Should I Contact an Auto Accident Lawyer in Texas?

Although prompt medical treatment should be your first priority after a car accident, you can contact an auto accident lawyer in Texas as soon as your condition stabilizes. Once you have a general idea of how bad your injuries are, you can discuss your next steps alongside an injury attorney. These legal professionals can guide you toward compensation for all of your various medical expenses, and you may not have to pay a dime for your medical bills. In addition, an auto accident claim can cover missed wages, emotional distress, and many other damages. Learn more about your options by calling the David Sanchez Law Group, PLLC at (972) 529-3476.