A car accident is definitely a traumatic event in anyone's life, especially if you have been injured. Accidents can place you under considerable stress because you will need to obtain compensation to repair or replace your vehicle, pay your medical bills, and become financially whole. This article asks and answers some important questions about dealing with the aftermath of an auto accident. 

Should You See a Physician?

Naturally, if you have serious injuries that are obvious immediately after a crash, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if the injuries are minor or even if you don't notice any apparent injuries, you should still see a doctor. Minor symptoms such as headaches and swelling could be signs of something more serious. 

Certain types of injuries are not always readily apparent and only show themselves over time. This includes conditions such as whiplash and blood clots in the brain. Spinal column injuries and injuries to the nerves and ligaments could take some time to become apparent as well.

If you do not promptly seek out a doctor after a crash, this could hurt your case when you seek compensation for your medical bills from the other driver's insurer. The insurance company could claim that because you did not seek treatment in a timely matter, it cannot be proven that your medical condition was the result of the accident. 

Should You Take the Case to Court?

A key question you might have to address following an auto accident is whether to accept a settlement offer you receive from the insurance company or take your case to court. This is where the advice of an experienced car accident attorney is invaluable. Listening to your attorney in this situation is crucial. They will be able based on their past experience to tell you if the insurance company's offer is reasonable or not.

What Do You Ask the Witnesses?

To bolster your case, it's a good idea to talk with people who saw the accident. These witnesses could potentially strengthen your chances of receiving a fair settlement or winning a civil suit. If you are not seriously injured, you can question them at the scene.  Legal experts often ask them exactly what they saw and heard, where they were located in relation to the accident, did they have a clear view of the accident, and if they noticed if the other driver was texting or driving erratically. Also, get their contact information and ask if they would speak to the police investing the accident.

To learn more about dealing with the aftermath of an auto accident, consult an auto accident attorney near you.