Everyone hopes that they will never be in a car accident, but sometimes it is unavoidable. The important thing is knowing how to react so you can protect yourself. You may have heard that you should go see a medical professional following a car accident, but is this really necessary? This short guide will address and answer this question, as well as provide information about what you should do after an accident.
Seeing a Medical Professional
Regardless of whether seeing a medical professional is necessary or not, it certainly cannot hurt. It is true that sometimes injuries can be very subtle. You may not feel any pain, which means you may be injured and not even realize it. Going to see a doctor can be quick and easy, and if anything is wrong, your doctor will find it.
Generally, however, you should be able to tell if you are injured. If everything seems to be okay, it is most likely enough for you to simply pay attention to your body and be on the lookout for any pain, bruising, or aching. If you do not notice any of these symptoms for a few weeks after the accident, then you are most likely okay to skip the doctor’s visit.
When It Is Necessary
There are some situations where it is very important to see a medical professional, regardless of how you feel. If you ever lost any blood during the accident, your injury is serious enough that you should go see a doctor. Likewise, if you experience severe pain, do not hesitate to see a doctor. Finally, if any of these things is true, you should absolutely schedule an appointment:
- You are pregnant
- You are elderly
- Any children were in the accident
Immediately After the Accident
The very first thing you should do when you are involved in an accident is evaluate whether you are hurt. If you are, you should immediately call 911 and go straight to the hospital without hesitation. Right after an accident, your adrenaline may be pumping, which will dull the pain of any injuries. This can make it very difficult to actually tell if you are injured, so it is always best to err on the safe side.
There are a few other things you should do after an accident, such as contact your insurance provider, contact a lawyer, and exchange contact information with the other driver, but they should always take a backseat to seeking the medical attention you need.