If you have been in an accident, you know how difficult it can be to determine what to do next. It is imperative that you first seek the help of a medical expert, so all of your injuries can be diagnosed and documented. Not only will this be good for your health, but it will also help with your insurance claim and any legal ramifications in the future.
So…
What if You Don’t See a Doctor After an Accident?
One of the most critical mistakes one can make in a personal injury claim is not seeing their doctor after their accident. People will sometimes refuse on-scene medical treatment because they feel embarrassed, and others walk away because they do not think they are injured.
No matter the reason, refusing medical treatment after an accident can result in serious complications that include:
Further Injury
Victims of accidents will often leave the scene not feeling pain due to their adrenaline. Unfortunately, many of these people begin to feel debilitating pain in the days following their accident. When people experience head or neck injuries, they do not always experience symptoms immediately. Serious injuries such as hemorrhages and hematomas are not always immediately felt and can turn fatal if they are not identified by a medical professional.
Denials By The Insurance Companies
Insurance companies will place time limits on the medical care it will cover in the time after an accident. In some cases, if you wait 72 hours after your accident to see a doctor for the injuries you sustained, your coverage may be denied. Insurance companies often take this approach in an attempt to claim that your injury was preexisting or unrelated to your accident.
Diminished or Loss of Evidence
If you go to the emergency room after your accident, you will likely be put under a multitude of tests. These tests will be extremely valuable to your claim because they will reveal your conditions after the accident. The documentation you receive after these tests are run will help prove the amount of compensation you will need to recover from your injuries. Not receiving these tests – if you need them – could greatly diminish the value of your personal injury claim.
Unreasonable Settlements
Insurance companies will do everything they can to minimize your compensation amount. If you receive medical treatment directly after the accident, however, it is likely that they will be much more cooperative. Even so, insurance companies are beholden to their shareholders and will do anything to minimize your payout. If you do not receive medical treatment for your injuries, you will be putting yourself at a disadvantage.
We understand that it is hard to think clearly after you have been injured in an accident. It is important to try and remain as calm as possible and to seek medical treatment so you can avoid situations which can diminish your claim.
Seeing A Doctor Strengthens Your Insurance Claim
Once you have documented proof of the injuries you sustained in your accident, moving forward with a personal injury claim will be much easier. This way you can prove that the injuries were a direct result of the accident.
Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may see a variety of medical professionals. For insurance purposes, we advise that you keep careful records of every doctor you see throughout this process. Victims of accidents often suffer from PTSD and other trauma from motor vehicle accidents. Any visits to therapists for emotional trauma should also be carefully documented.
Following each visit, record the following information:
- Information about the doctor
- The reason you were there
- How much was paid
- Gather documentation of the visit
Speak With Mickey Fine, a Personal Injury Lawyer Who Cares About His Clients
Being injured in an accident due to negligence can wreak havoc on a person’s life and financial stability. The Law Offices of Mickey Fine has experience in dealing with injuries stemming from all types of motor vehicle accidents. We have helped many victims of these accidents secure compensation that has allowed them to move forward with their lives. Contact us today.