According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end collisions account for about 29% of all crashes. Many of these crashes result in serious injury.
If you are the victim of a minor rear-end crash, should you see a doctor even if you believe you have no injuries?
Response to impact
Rear-end collisions happen every day. A driver responsible for this kind of crash may have faced distractions and failed to notice that the vehicle in front of him has stopped. The human body is not prepared for a sudden, violent impact and often responds by releasing adrenalin. This kind of chemical can mask pain and injury temporarily. If you experience a low-speed, rear-end collision, you may walk away, thinking you are OK. However, it is best to seek medical attention, as you could have underlying injuries.
Importance of medical records
Underlying injuries can be serious. Even after a seemingly minor car crash, you could sustain a neck injury, a brain injury or spinal cord damage. In some cases, symptoms might not appear for days after the accident. Keep in mind that your doctor will prepare a report that will not only state your diagnosis and treatment recommendations but also tie any injury you have directly to the vehicle crash.
The insurance company claim
The medical report will be an essential part of your claim for compensation. Insurance companies follow standard guidelines in evaluating claims, so you need to provide as much information as possible about the cause of your injury and the prognosis.
As the injured victim of a rear-end collision, you have a right to expect maximum compensation to cover your medical expenses and more.