Car accidents can result in serious injuries, from broken bones and fractures to traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, and lacerations. Back and neck pain are also common after car accidents, but can be difficult to prove due to the nature of these injuries. If you suffer from back and neck pain, you may need significant treatment — and it is important to act as quickly as possible to treat these injuries to prove your need for damages.
The Nature of Back and Neck Injuries
Back and neck injuries do not always appear immediately after an accident. They can be difficult to diagnose, since they often affect the soft tissue surrounding the injury site. Because of these qualities, they can be difficult to prove after a car accident — so it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible in order to validate your claims.
Failure to seek medical attention after suffering a back or neck injury can have adverse impacts on your case. You could lose your chances at collecting the full compensation you need to recover if you accept a settlement before you understand the extent of your injuries, or you could lose a chance at any settlement if you state that you did not suffer any damage.
Is It Important to See a Doctor After an Accident?
Whether or not you are in physical pain after a car accident, it is crucial to see a doctor as soon as possible after your crash. In fact, you should call 911 at the accident scene to bring law enforcement and emergency medical services to your aid.
You may not feel the impacts of back and neck injuries for hours or even days following your accident. You may be in shock and numb to physical pain that is actually present. In addition, you may not feel you need to see a doctor — but internal damage may still require significant treatment. Visiting a doctor is the only way you can diagnose, manage, and record these conditions.
If you tell anyone at the scene that you do not have any injuries and later discover back and neck pain, or if you wait too long to see a doctor, you can lose your chances of collecting compensation. The insurance company can use this evidence against you in your future claim, citing that your injuries are either not present or not serious enough to require medical care.
What Should You Do After a Car Accident?
The moments after a car accident are the most crucial to building your insurance claim or lawsuit. This period is when the evidence is freshest and eyewitnesses are still in your presence. For best results, take the following steps immediately after your crash if it is safe to do so.
- Call 911 to bring police and emergency medical services to the scene. Ask the police officer for his or her badge number so you can access the report later.
- Visit a medical professional and save all records of your visit and treatment.
- Take pictures of the accident scene, including both vehicles, your injuries, and the area and traffic signs around the collision.
- Exchange contact, license, and insurance information with the other driver or drivers involved in the crash.
- Approach any witnesses in the area and ask if you could have their contact information for use in your future claim.
- Before you speak to an insurance adjuster, contact a Fort Collins car accident lawyer to discuss your case.
It is important to contact your attorney as soon as possible following your car accident. Do not speak to an insurance adjuster before talking to your lawyer, and do not admit that you do not have any injuries until after you seek medical treatment. Speak to your attorney today to discuss your legal options and begin planning your next steps.