Even a vehicle crash that is as seemingly minor as a rear-end collision can cause a serious injury, one that might not be immediately apparent.
Prompt medical attention is always advisable in case there is an underlying injury. Timely medical care also increases the opportunity to obtain fair and just compensation.
The shock of a crash
The human body is not designed to take the violent impact of a vehicle crash, even the sudden jolt of a minor collision. When a crash occurs, defense mechanisms go into action and the body produces chemicals capable of masking injury symptoms for hours if not days.
Proactive treatment
Some injuries, such as a concussion or even more severe brain damage may not appear at the time of a crash. Prompt medical attention is in order so that a doctor can diagnose and begin to treat any kind of injury, even those with latent symptoms. Depending on the type and severity of the issue, the patient may need ongoing care such as rehabilitation or occupational therapy and the medical expenses will begin to mount.
Need for a medical report
The medical report the doctor prepares will tie an injury directly to the vehicle crash. This is important when the victim and his or her advocate file a claim for damages with the insurance company that represents the negligent driver. The insurer may try to lowball a settlement or even discredit the claim altogether. Properly documented records will validate the claim and the victim can expect to receive fair compensation to cover current and future medical expenses and more.