You can best protect your legal rights by seeking medical attention as soon as possible after a car accident, even if you think you didn’t suffer any injuries in the crash. A doctor can examine you to identify any injuries, including ones that have yet to cause you pain or other severe symptoms.

Diagnosing your injuries as soon as possible after the crash can strengthen your car accident claim by closely linking the accident and your injuries. Waiting to seek medical help after an auto accident risks giving the insurance company a basis to argue that your injuries had a different cause, such as another collision or a pre-existing degenerative condition.

Delaying treatment for your car accident injuries can also make them worse and require more expensive medical care. The insurance company may claim that you failed to limit your losses from your injuries, which can affect your financial recovery in a car crash case.