While protecting your rights after a car accident is incredibly important, what matters most is your safety. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for car accident victims to compromise both by failing to seek medical treatment right away. The shock, trauma, and adrenaline of these experiences can mask injuries that may not fully reveal themselves for days or even weeks after the accident, leading some to believe they’re unharmed when they actually are.
At Burch Law Firm, we’ve seen firsthand the unfortunate consequences of failing to get a medical exam after a car accident. If you want to ensure your safety and protect your rights, it’s critical to understand why getting a medical check-up after a car accident is so necessary, no matter how you feel – and what can happen if you don’t. Contact our New Braunfels car accident lawyer today for a free consultation to learn more and discuss your case.
How Our New Braunfels Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You
Choosing the right lawyer when pursuing a personal injury claim can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. The team at Burch Law Firm has the knowledge, experience, and compassion to fight for the justice and fair compensation you deserve.
We can help you by:
- Reviewing your case for free
- Investigating the accident and gathering evidence
- Consulting with experts
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Representing you in court if necessary
- Providing a critical support system as you continue to heal
Our founder, Troy D. Burch Jr., has proudly advocated for injured clients in New Braunfels and the surrounding communities since 1990. In that time, he and his team have not only recovered millions on their behalf but also established lasting relationships with them, backed by countless heartfelt testimonials, such as the following:
“I endorse Troy 100%, as he is an outstanding attorney. He is client-focused, thorough and results-oriented. His track record with regard to resolution of large personal injury cases is outstanding. I have referred him many cases and will continue to do so with great confidence.” – Frank S.
“Troy has done a fantastic job on all the cases that he and I have worked on together. His attention to detail is outstanding and his knowledge of the law in his field is second to none. Hire him if you want a great lawyer on your side.” – David P.
Why You Should Always Get a Medical Check-Up After a Car Accident
You may walk away from the accident feeling completely fine, but you should never assume anything and always seek immediate medical attention. Failing to do so can result in serious health complications and potentially irreparable damage to your personal injury claim.
So, why exactly should you get checked out after a car accident? Here are the main reasons:
- It Helps Catch Injuries Early – A medical professional may be able to identify injuries that would not have revealed themselves until long after the accident. This can help you avoid worsening the injury and prevent long-term complications.
- It Establishes a Medical Record – Getting a medical check-up after a car accident creates official documentation of your injuries. This will provide crucial evidence to support your claim should you seek compensation.
- It Protects Your Legal Rights – Insurance companies will find any way to weaken your claim and minimize your compensation. That includes arguing that you didn’t take your injuries seriously or that they weren’t caused by the accident because you didn’t seek immediate medical attention.
Hidden Injuries That May Not Show Symptoms Right Away
While many car accident injuries are immediately unmistakable, some of the most common and serious injuries will not show any symptoms right away. Others may show mild symptoms that you don’t think are serious enough to warrant medical attention but can worsen over time.
Here are a few of the most common “hidden injuries” that occur after car accidents:
- Whiplash – The sudden jerking motion can cause soft tissue damage to the neck, otherwise known as whiplash. The stiffness, headaches, and dizziness associated with whiplash may not appear for hours or even days after the accident.
- Soft Tissue Injuries – Sprains, strains, and other soft tissue injuries may seem mild at first, but as adrenaline subsides and swelling persists, the pain and limited mobility can intensify significantly.
- Head Injuries – A blow to the head can cause a concussion or other traumatic brain injury that can result in nausea, confusion, and mood changes hours or days later.
- Back and Spine Injuries – A seemingly minor back injury may not be immediately painful or debilitating, but it can lead to chronic discomfort or mobility issues if you fail to seek the necessary treatment.
- Internal Bleeding – Internal bleeding can be serious and potentially fatal, yet it’s not something you’re likely to notice until long after the injury occurred.
Only a qualified medical professional can accurately assess the extent of your injuries. Not only do many injuries take time to reveal themselves, but the shock and adrenaline of the accident can cloud both your judgment and sense of the physical sensation. Always visit an emergency room or urgent care after a car accident, no matter how you feel.
How Medical Exams Support Your Injury Claim
Seeking medical attention after a car accident doesn’t just protect your health – it also strengthens your legal claim. When you seek compensation for your injuries, the burden of proof is on you to show the impact and extent of those injuries. Medical documentation from treatment received immediately after the accident helps you do that by:
- Proving Causation – Insurance companies may attempt to claim your injuries were not caused by the accident for which they’re liable. Your medical records offer strong evidence to disprove those claims.
- Showing Severity – Your medical records also show how serious your injuries are, the treatments they require, and how they impact your daily life.
- Establishing a Timeline – If you fail to receive timely treatment, insurance companies may also claim that you weren’t concerned about any injuries right after the accident, which brings your credibility into question. Prompt treatment establishes a timeline that will refute those claims.
Your New Braunfels personal injury lawyer can collect evidence and build your case, but only you can seek timely medical attention after an accident. Doing so will help them help you.
Talk to Burch Law Firm Today for Legal Guidance
If you’ve suffered injuries in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you need an experienced car accident lawyer in New Braunfels to protect your rights. The team at Burch Law Firm can provide compassionate, tenacious legal representation while you focus on recovery. Contact us today for your free consultation.
