When it comes to accident injuries, almost nothing is as important as the level of medical treatment you need. If you have been hurt in a car accident read on to find out why your state of health after an accident is so important.

Insurance Coverage and Car Accidents

After a car accident that was not your fault, the other driver's insurer should pay for limited damages whether you were injured or not. If you were injured, however, you have to take action. Document those injuries carefully or you may find yourself hurt badly with no way to gain compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, and payment for future medical needs. After a car accident, go to the doctor to get checked out and continue to seek medical treatment if you notice any signs of an injury. To be paid compensation above your wrecked car, you must have a proven, verifiable injury.

The Cost of Medical Treatment

Even minor accidents with injuries will result in medical costs in the thousands. In most cases, the at-fault driver's insurance company will pay your related medical expenses. That doesn't mean you should disregard the bills, statements, and explanation of benefits that you receive. Your medical treatment costs are directly related to the payment for pain and suffering and determines a large part of your injury settlement.

Take These Steps

To preserve your ability to gain compensation from the other driver's insurer, take the following steps:

1. Go to the doctor or emergency room after an accident.
2. Follow medical advice about dealing with accident-related injuries.
3. Undergo any suggested diagnostic tests and keep up with all test results.
4. If the doctor advises you to have surgery, do so.
5. If you are prescribed a medication, take it and keep up with any side effects.
6. Keep a file of all medical-related paperwork and be prepared to provide your auto accident attorney with a summary of treatments and costs, so far.
7. Begin to keep a pain journal where you document your day-to-day struggles with your injury.
8. If you receive a request for your medical records from the other driver's insurer, speak to a lawyer immediately. That might be a sign that your injuries and the medical costs are being questioned. If you get a request for medical records going back several months or years, this may be a sign that the other side is alleging that your injury was pre-existing.
9. As soon as you are well enough, speak to a personal injury lawyer. Don't speak to the other side, don't give a recorded interview, and don't release your medical records. Let a lawyer handle everything and focus on healing from your injuries.