Even if you don’t think that you were hurt in a car accident, or if you think that your injuries weren’t that serious, you should still seek medical attention after a crash. There are two important reasons for doing so. First, and most importantly, getting evaluated for injuries as soon as possible after an accident is the best way to get an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment. This can maximize the likelihood of physically recovering from your injuries. For example, you are rear-ended in a car accident and are diagnosed with whiplash. This condition is caused by a forceful, back and forth movement of the neck. Symptoms of whiplash, such as neck pain and stiffness and headaches, often don’t appear for several days after an injury. Seeing a doctor immediately after a rear-end accident can help to rule out other potential injuries, like broken bones. The sooner that you are diagnosed, the more quickly treatment can begin, and the faster that you can get back to normal. No matter what type of accident you were in, keep an eye out for symptoms that may indicate that you were injured. Second, getting immediate treatment after a motor vehicle accident can help to protect your legal rights. When you go to your doctor’s office or the emergency room, you are creating a record that links your symptoms to the accident -- which can be used to show that your injuries were caused by the crash. When you get diagnosed right away and follow the prescribed plan of treatment, it also prevents the insurance company from arguing that your injury is worse because you failed to get a diagnosis or comply with the treatment.