Going to the hospital is vital following any car accident. Even a low-speed collision can cause internal damage that is not immediately visible. Seeking a professional medical evaluation and contacting a Montgomery car accident lawyer ensures that hidden injuries are identified and your case is handled properly.
The timeline of your medical care determines the strength of your legal claim in Alabama. Insurance companies often deny claims when there is a delay in treatment. Obtaining a diagnosis on the day of the accident prevents insurers from arguing that your injuries happened elsewhere.
Why Delaying Medical Care Can Hurt Your Health and Your Claim
Have you been asking, “Should I go to the hospital after a car accident?” Yes, it’s important to. Delaying a doctor’s visit creates a gap in treatment. Insurance companies use this gap to argue that the crash did not cause your injuries or that they are not as serious as you claim.
A delay also makes it harder to prove causation. Under Alabama Code § 12-21-45, medical evidence is vital to show that the crash specifically caused your injuries. When weeks pass between the accident and a diagnosis, insurers may claim a separate, later event caused your pain. This “intervening cause” argument is a common tactic used to deny valid claims in Montgomery.
Internal injuries may not show symptoms for days. By the time you feel the pain, the damage could be permanent. Prompt imaging and exams at a local facility ensure these hidden conditions are caught before they become life-threatening.
Alabama’s strict contributory negligence rule makes early documentation even more important. If a defendant proves you failed to take reasonable steps to care for your injuries, they may argue you contributed to the severity of your own condition. This single argument can be enough to bar you from receiving any compensation at all.
Car Accident Injuries That Require Immediate Emergency Treatment
Certain injuries demand a trip to the emergency room. You should go to the hospital after a car accident immediately if you experience:
- Loss of consciousness: Even a brief blackout suggests a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI).
- Abdominal pain: This can indicate internal bleeding or organ damage, which is often fatal if not treated.
- Difficulty breathing: This may signal a punctured lung, fractured ribs, or a bruised chest cavity.
- Numbness or tingling: These are signs of spinal cord damage or nerve impingement.
- Open fractures: Any injury where the bone has pierced the skin requires immediate surgical intervention to prevent infection.
Symptoms That May Appear Hours or Days After a Crash
Adrenaline and the fight-or-flight response often act as natural painkillers immediately following a collision. Once this reaction subsides, injuries may become apparent. If you notice any of the following symptoms in the days after your accident, seek a medical evaluation immediately.
1. Persistent Headaches
A headache that begins days after a crash can indicate a concussion, a blood clot, or whiplash. Documenting these early signs is vital for any future claim involving a brain injury.
2. Neck and Shoulder Stiffness
This is the primary indicator of whiplash. The soft tissue in your neck may take 24 to 48 hours to swell enough to cause noticeable pain or a reduced range of motion.
3. Back Pain
Impact forces can cause vertebrae to shift or discs to herniate. If you experience a dull ache or sharp pain in your lower back a few days later, it may signal a serious spinal injury that was masked by the initial shock.
4. Numbness or Tingling
Sensations of “pins and needles” in your arms, hands, or legs often point to nerve compression or spinal cord damage. This symptom frequently appears as inflammation increases and puts pressure on the nervous system.
5. Abdominal Pain or Swelling
This is a red flag for internal bleeding or organ damage. Because the body may prioritize blood flow to the heart and brain after a trauma, pain in the midsection can be delayed but remains a life-threatening emergency.
How Medical Records Impact Car Accident Claims in Alabama
Medical records serve as the primary evidence to verify the physical and financial toll of a crash. Under Alabama Code § 6-11-20, claimants must provide clear evidence of their losses to recover compensatory damages. These documents transform your subjective experience into objective facts recognized by insurance adjusters and courts.
Physician notes and diagnostic tests, such as MRIs or X-rays, provide a clear link between the collision and your injuries. This link is vital because Alabama follows the contributory negligence doctrine.
If an insurer can argue your pain stems from a pre-existing condition rather than the crash, they may attempt to deny your claim entirely. Records quantify your economic damages by providing an itemized history of hospital stays, surgeries, and physical therapy costs.
Additionally, a doctor’s prognosis regarding permanent limitations or future care needs ensures that your compensation covers long-term expenses rather than just immediate bills.
What to Do if You Didn’t Go to the Hospital Right Away
If you did not seek care at the scene, you can still protect your rights. Follow these steps after a car accident:
Visit an Urgent Care or Primary Doctor Immediately
Schedule an appointment today. Tell the staff you were in a motor vehicle accident so they can screen for internal injuries or concussions.
Report Every Symptom
Mention every physical or mental change you have noticed, no matter how small. Be specific about neck stiffness, headaches, or numbness in your extremities. This creates a formal link between the accident and your medical condition in your records.
Follow the Treatment Plan
If the doctor prescribes physical therapy or medication, follow through with it. Gaps in your treatment history give insurance adjusters an opening to claim you are exaggerating your pain or that you have already recovered.
Gather Your Records
Keep a file of all discharge papers, prescriptions, and receipts. These documents serve as proof of your “special damages,” which include the actual economic costs resulting from the crash.
Contact an Experienced Montgomery Car Accident Lawyer
Should you go to the hospital after a car accident? Yes, as this protects your health and strengthens your claim.
The legal team at Hunter | Everage helps accident victims in Montgomery secure the compensation they need for recovery. We understand the local court systems in Montgomery County and the specific tactics used by Alabama insurance adjusters.
The window to file a personal injury lawsuit is two years. Getting an attorney involved early ensures that evidence from the accident scene is preserved and that you do not miss any deadlines for filing your claim. Contact us at 704-377-9157 to request a free consultation.