Not all car accidents are catastrophic. Some are fairly minor and result in minimal damage. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t seek medical care afterward. While you may feel like the situation doesn’t warrant a trip to an emergency room, it’s possible you sustained injuries during the accident that are not immediately noticeable.

3 Reasons to See a Doctor After a Minor Car Accident

1. Some Injuries Don’t Show Immediate Symptoms

Just because you don’t feel any pain or discomfort after a car accident doesn’t mean you’re not injured. During a traumatic event like this, the human body produces adrenaline, a chemical that can mask pain and other injury symptoms for days or even weeks after the accident. This can include pain in the head, neck, or back, a concussion, a loss of feeling, or internal bleeding. If you delay visiting the emergency room, your injury could get worse.

2. It Gives You a More Thorough Medical History

Even if the injuries you suffered were not bad enough to cause you either immediate or long-term complications, there is a chance you may wind up in the emergency room for another reason in the future. At that point, the doctors will benefit from having information about the accident on file in case it affects their diagnosis or means of treatment.

3. You’ll Have a Stronger Accident Claim

If you plan to sue for compensation in the future, you will need medical records that document your injuries and the treatments you received. If you wait weeks after the accident to see a doctor, you may have a more difficult time proving you were hurt because of the crash and not another cause.

Been in a car accident recently? Visit the emergency room known for its short wait times at Santiam Hospital in Stayton, OR. Established in 1953, this hospital uses state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and treat various medical issues—from whiplash to post-crash abdominal swelling. For more information about their services, call (503) 769-2175 or visit their website.