Auto Accident - Always Seek a Medical Opinion
Attorney
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In recent years, I've found insurance companies consistently disputing the nature of a client's injuries. One of the biggest complaints I hear is that the client did not immediately seek medical treatment. Insurance adjusters allegations are ridiculous, but more than ever I find it imperative that a client seek immediate medical treatment at an Emergency Room to ensure proper recovery for their injuries.
In January of 2005 The Insurance Journal reported that 25% of automobile accidents resulted in bodily injury claims in 2003. In a 2004 study from Trends In Auto Injury Claims it found continued increases in personal injury claims. Yet, records indicate that many people involved in automobile accidents, are embarrassed to seek medical attention because of what they've determine to be bumps and bruises, and they didn't seem serious enough or because the onset of the symptoms did not immediately occur.
Doctors advise that as soon as possible, after an accident, an initial evaluation at a local Emergency Room is positively recommended. The reason for that is: X-rays can be performed which will generally rule out broken bones or factures. In addition, muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory medications can immediately be prescribed so as to address muscle strains and/or pulls.
If the onset of a serious injury is delayed, the failure to have a medical complaint recorded will affect your physical recovery. Back and neck injuries (like a herniated disc) are not always immediately determinable. They are often initially diagnosed as "Soft Tissue" injuries before an MRI or a CT Scan reveals a disc injury. Normal x-ray film - - cannot diagnose a disc injury.
For more information on this subject matter, please refer to the section on Car and Motorcycle Accidents.