Car wrecks are unfortunate fact of life. From minor fender benders to bad crashes, thousands of car accidents are reported in the U.S. each year. If you are involved in a car accident that is not your fault, you may be eligible for financial restitution for your injuries and other damages per Alaska negligence laws.
The minutes and even hours following the accident can be, at the very least, confusing. Thanks to elevated adrenaline levels, you may not establish the extent of your injuries immediately following the crash. This explains why most people overlook the need for a medical check-up after the crash. But is this always a good idea? Here are compelling reasons why you should visit a doctor as soon as possible following a car accident:
You can get relief from pain
This is pretty straightforward. If you experience pain or discomfort moments, days or even weeks after the crash, then chances are you are hurt even if you cannot spot the specific injuries on your own. Visiting the ER ensures that your injuries are accurately diagnosed and treated in time. Even if you do not feel okay, visiting the hospital after the accident should be your top priority.
You can obtain the evidence you need for your claim
When you check in at the ER after the crash, doctors can run a number of tests to establish the extent of your injuries. These may include X-rays, MRI scans and CT scans among others. All these go towards creating a medical report that links your injuries to the accident in question. This can be important in the future if you need to pursue the other driver for your losses.
Protecting your interests
Being caught up in a car crash can change your life in a variety of ways. Understanding your legal rights and obligations following the crash can help boost your odds of pursuing a successful claim following a car accident that is attributable to someone else.