After a car accident, your body may be in shock, masking potential injuries that could surface hours or even days later. While dealing with insurance companies and vehicle repairs might seem pressing, your health should always come first. Seeking immediate medical attention not only protects your well-being but also creates a record of your injuries—and you can use this doctor’s note to prove your right to financial compensation. If you were injured in an accident, make sure to speak with a car accident attorney in Bakersfield for legal guidance.
Why You Should Always Go to the Doctor After a Car Accident
Even minor accidents can cause serious injuries that aren’t immediately apparent. Whiplash, internal bleeding, and concussions often show symptoms days after the initial accident. However, without treatment, these conditions can worsen and become life-threatening.
By visiting a doctor as soon as possible after the collision, you can also establish a clear link between the accident and your injuries. Insurance companies often question delayed medical treatment, using gaps in care to minimize or deny claims. Getting checked out immediately protects both your health and your legal rights.
Essential Medical Information That Must Be Documented
Your medical records serve as the foundation of your injury claim. Make sure your doctor’s notes include detailed descriptions of all injuries, no matter how minor they might seem. Request documentation of:
- Your symptoms, diagnosis, and prognosis of your condition
- Any bruising, cuts, pain levels, and range of motion limitations that your medical team initially noticed
- Which diagnostic tests were performed and their results, including X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans
- Any and all prescribed medications, physical therapy requirements, and any work restrictions that you require due to your injuries
- Any recommendations for specialist treatment or follow-up care
As you navigate the aftermath of the accident, make sure to collect all evidence related to your injuries and medical care. Keep copies of all medical bills, treatment plans, and correspondence with healthcare providers. Continue to attend follow-up appointments and gather documentation of your ongoing care needs as well.
Connecting Your Injuries to the Accident
California follows a fault-based system for car accidents, which means that the person who caused the crash is responsible for any damages that you suffered—including your injuries and medical expenses. Doctor’s notes and other medical documentation create a direct link between the accident and your injuries, which you can leverage in your favor.
Your doctor’s notes should clearly state that your injuries resulted from the car accident, including how the impact likely caused specific trauma. With these detailed records, you can prove the accident’s impact on your daily life, including missed work, physical limitations, and emotional distress.
Get Help with Your Bakersfield Car Accident Case
Whether you need help obtaining proper medical documentation or pursuing fair compensation for your injuries, a car accident lawyer can help you achieve the best possible outcome. If you were injured in a crash, the Bakersfield personal injury attorneys at Rodriguez & Associates can protect your rights and guide you through every step of the claims process.
We will leverage all of your medical records and documentation to build a compelling case for you. Call or text us at (661) 777-7575 today for a free consultation and learn how our Bakersfield car accident attorneys can fight for you.