Just because you can walk away from a minor vehicle crash does not mean you sustained no injuries.
Injury symptoms are not always apparent at the time of an accident and prompt medical attention is in order for more than one reason.
The Body Responds
The human body is not designed to absorb a violent impact as from a car crash. In response, it releases chemicals such as adrenalin that are capable of temporarily masking pain and injury. As a result, you might feel nothing more than a stiff neck or soreness from a bump on the head. Symptoms of a more serious condition might not appear for hours if not days after the accident, which is the primary reason for seeking prompt medical attention.
The Medical Report Follows
Underlying injuries might include more serious issues such as brain, back or neck injuries than you anticipated at the time of the crash. Early treatment can often prevent future medical problems. The doctor you see will write up a medical report that contains your diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
The Claim Provides Proof
The report will link any injury you might have directly to the vehicle crash, an important point. Insurance companies have standard criteria by which they evaluate claims for compensation. They always want to know how quickly the claimant sought medical treatment. A delay might enable an insurer to deny your claim, stating that your injury originated from something other than the vehicle crash. Submitting the report from your doctor will forestall this tactic. If you are the victim of a car crash, you have the right to expect full and fair compensation to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and more.