I always would have to recommend that you get yourself checked out at a doctor. Its critical to make sure you are not suffering from any latent injuries that may become more apparent after time. It quite normal that with the rush of adrenaline and nerves you experience immediately after an accident, your body may suppress pain as part of its ancient survival mechanisms. Frequently, you do not realize you are injured until you have had a chance to calm down.
Injuries, even serious ones, can take days to manifest themselves and may not always have obvious symptoms. For your own health and safety, go to a doctor immediately after a car accident.
Financially, the longer you wait to use your insurance, or make claims against the other party, the longer you may be stuck with unpaid medical bills or lost wages. The longer you wait to treat injuries, the more expensive your treatment could become. Generally, the longer you wait to treat, or the less frequently you treat, the lower the amount of your settlement.
While skipping a doctor’s visit until injuries arise does not prevent you from reaching a settlement, it may make it more difficult.
In Rhode Island, there is a three-year period, after an accident, in which to settle a personal injury case. Once that period expires, you cannot ever recover for injuries.
Remember, the longer you wait after an accident, the easier it is for insurers and, later on, attorneys to argue that your medical expenses are not the result of the accident.
So, call your doctor—and then call us to discuss next steps.