Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of vehicle crashes and they happen often in California.
If you are the victim of a rear-end crash, you may feel nothing more serious than frazzled nerves. However, there are two good reasons for seeking prompt medical care.
Hiding injuries
The human body reacts to a violent jolt such as the kind a victim of a rear-end car crash receives by releasing adrenalin. This chemical can mask pain and injury temporarily. In fact, symptoms of anything more serious than your frazzled nerves might not appear for hours or even days following the collision.
Seeing a doctor
You should seek medical attention as soon as possible since you may have underlying injuries. Attending to your well-being is the main reason for doing so. For example, did the rear-end collision cause you to hit your head on the steering wheel or dashboard? Symptoms such as headaches, dizziness or trouble concentrating may indicate a concussion or even a more serious traumatic brain injury. Treatment can begin following an early diagnosis, which will prevent health complications down the road.
Connecting the dots
The second reason for prompt medical attention is that the doctor will write a report containing your diagnosis and treatment recommendations. An insurance company will want confirmation that the car crash caused your injury. Consequently, you can provide the medical report when you file a claim. Keep in mind that as the victim of a collision, you have a right to expect maximum compensation to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, damage to your vehicle and more.