It is always smart to see a doctor after a car accident, even if you're confident that you are not seriously injured. Sometimes, adrenaline masks pain after the crash; you may be more injured than you know. Plus, if you are going to seek insurance compensation for even minor injuries, you will need documentation of those injuries, and a medical report is a reliable form of that documentation. For this exam, you can head to your local urgent care center or even an emergency room. Here are some tips to follow as you navigate the appointment.

Explain how the accident occurred.

As the doctor begins examining you, explain to them how the accident happened in as much detail as possible. This will help them determine where you are most likely to be injured. For example, there are certain injuries they will be vigilant in checking for if you were rear-ended, and others that are more likely to come into play if you were side-swiped. If the doctor asks you for details about the accident and you do not remember or are unsure, just be honest and tell them that. Don't make something up or guess, as that may point them in the wrong direction in assessing you for injuries.

Tell them where it hurts.

Even if the pain is minor, report it to your car accident doctor. It may only feel like a bump or bruise right now, but it's your doctor's responsibility to determine if it is serious — not yours. If you know that you hit a certain body part in the crash but it does not hurt, you can tell the doctor that, too. They'll look over that part to ensure that it is, indeed, okay.

Agree to get a test if it is recommended.

Often, after a car crash, your doctor will suggest you have an MRI, an X-ray, or some other test, but leave you with the option of ultimately saying "yes" or "no" to the procedure. Some people turn the test down, either because they're confident they are fine or because they're afraid of the cost. However, the cost will be covered by car insurance, so that should not be a concern. And if the doctor is calling for the test, it's for good reason. You may, in fact, be fine, but it's best to let the test make that determination.

If you follow the tips above, your doctor's appointment should be productive. If you are injured, you'll find out early and be able to seek treatment, and if you're not, then you can go home with reassurance and relief.