You were in a car accident recently, but you don’t feel any pain, and you don’t see any scratches, bruises, or other signs of harm on your body. Understandably, you want to tend to necessary car repairs and put the incident behind you. Still, at Medical Clinics of New York City, we encourage you to let an auto accident doctor examine you, even if you feel fine. Let’s break down why.
Delayed Symptoms
Some injury symptoms take time before they show up, potentially several days. By the time you notice an ache or a twinge, your injury may have unnecessarily progressed, which may require additional medical care and expense. Even during a minor fender bender, you could experience a surge of adrenaline that masks your pain and injuries. Rather than take the “wait and see” approach, make an appointment with a no-fault doctor sooner rather than later.
Legal Evidence
If you later realize you have a potential personal injury claim against the other driver, you need adequate medical documentation and evidence to build your case. An auto accident injury doctor may help you and your legal team determine how much to seek in damages. If you wait to receive treatment, the other side may claim you sustained your injuries after the car collision, not during it.
Health Risk
Depending on your specific injury, you may have a long road of recovery ahead. You should see a reputable and knowledgeable medical professional quickly. If not, you may put the future of your health and well-being at risk. What you believe to be a minor headache could be a symptom of a traumatic brain injury. By waiting to see someone, you may complicate your prognosis and worsen your condition.
Insurance Claim
Even if there is no “other driver” to seek damages against, you may still need to file an insurance claim with your insurance provider. Just like the at-fault party’s legal team may say you didn’t receive injuries from the car accident because you waited to seek treatment, the same may happen with your insurance provider.
Financial Health
If you do not see a physician soon after a motor vehicle accident, delayed treatment may cause you to miss work while you recover. This could place your financial health in jeopardy. While you should concentrate on making a full recovery and getting back to work, you may instead spend time and energy trying to work things out with your insurance provider. There’s no guarantee they’ll accept a delayed claim. If they don’t, you may be stuck with medical bills and mounting monthly expenses.
Peace of Mind
Have you ever experienced a sudden pain or injury you didn’t know the cause of? One day you’re okay, and the next, you can barely move your left knee or put weight on it without excruciating pain. You hope that it’s nothing and that it’ll get better, but what if it doesn’t? You may find it hard to not only move but focus on your life without constantly worrying about what’s going on with your body.
By seeing a doctor soon after your accident, you can better understand the potential reasons for your bodily discomfort and how to treat it effectively. Even if it takes several days, weeks, or months for you to feel better again, you at least know what’s happening and why giving you one less thing to worry about.
The healthcare professionals of Medical Clinics of New York City stand ready to examine and treat motor vehicle accident victims. We have experienced auto accident physicians in New York, with offices in NYC, Brooklyn, Bronx, and Queens. Those hurt in an automobile accident don’t have to worry about affording medical care; New York State has no-fault insurance and it should take care of the associated costs for medical consultation and ongoing treatment.
Schedule your initial appointment today by calling 718-304-0378.