While you can file a car accident claim without seeing a doctor, this will impact the value of your claim. Without medical attention, your case is more likely to be undervalued or dismissed. A doctor will document the extent of your injuries and determine that the crash caused these.
At SKG, we understand the importance of seeking medical attention after a car accident. Our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers will help increase the value of your claim. Call our personal injury law firm today for a free case evaluation.
The Importance of Seeking Medical Attention After a Car Accident
When you are involved in a car accident, your body can experience trauma even if you don’t immediately feel pain or discomfort. Seeking medical attention is crucial because some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms until hours or even days later.
A doctor will assess your condition and perform any necessary tests to detect hidden injuries. Prompt medical attention also ensures that injuries are properly documented, which is important if you pursue a car accident case later.
More people choose The Schiller Kessler Group because they know that we’re a cut above other personal injury law firms.
How Delaying Medical Treatment Can Affect Your Car Accident Case
Seeking prompt medical attention ensures your health and well-being but also helps establish a clear link between your injuries and the accident. Insurance companies and legal parties often look for medical records to verify the extent of your injuries and their connection to the incident.
Seeking prompt medical attention after a crash helps:
- Preserve evidence: Seeking immediate medical treatment creates an official record of your injuries, providing crucial evidence for your case. Delaying treatment may allow the opposing party to argue that your injuries are unrelated to the accident.
- Show the extent of injuries: Healthcare professionals evaluate your injuries and give an accurate diagnosis. Delaying treatment may lead to complications and hinder your ability to recover fully.
- Establish causation: Timely medical treatment establishes a clear link between the accident and your injuries. This is vital for proving causation in your case and obtaining the compensation you deserve.
- Mitigate damages: Seeking immediate medical treatment shows that you took reasonable steps to mitigate your damages. Delaying treatment may result in the opposing party arguing that your injuries worsened by not seeking timely care.
Your personal injury lawyer will rely on your medical records and other supporting documents to build a strong claim on your behalf.
Common Injuries Sustained in Car Accidents
Car accidents can lead to a range of injuries, varying in severity based on factors such as the speed of impact, the angle of collision, and the use of safety features. Remember that not all injuries are immediately apparent, so you should see a doctor even if you feel fine.
Common car accident injuries include:
- Whiplash: Neck and upper spine injuries from sudden jerking movements during impact.
- Broken bones: Fractures in arms, legs, ribs, and other bones due to the force of the collision.
- Head injuries: Concussions, traumatic brain injuries, or skull fractures resulting from impacts with surfaces inside the vehicle.
- Soft tissue injuries: Bruises, sprains, strains, and tears affecting muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
- Cuts and abrasions: Skin lacerations and scrapes caused by broken glass, airbag deployment, or contact with objects inside the car.
- Back injuries: Herniated discs, spinal cord damage, and lower back strain from the impact’s forces.
- Internal injuries: Organ damage, internal bleeding, or damage to blood vessels due to the collision’s impact.
How Medical Documentation Supports Your Claim
Medical documentation serves as evidence linking your injuries directly to the incident. They outline the nature and extent of your injuries, detailing diagnoses, treatment plans, and the associated medical expenses. This documentation establishes the seriousness of your injuries and demonstrates the necessity of the medical care you received.
Medical documentation is crucial in supporting your claim after a car accident:
- Evidence: Detailed medical records provide solid evidence of your injuries, their severity, and the treatments you received. This evidence helps establish the link between the accident and your injuries.
- Credibility: Having thorough medical documentation creates credibility. It shows that you took your injuries seriously and sought appropriate medical care. Insurance companies and courts are more likely to trust your claim when backed by professional medical records.
- Evaluation: Medical records allow experts to evaluate your injuries objectively. Doctors can provide expert opinions on the long-term effects, prognosis, and future medical needs resulting from the accident, strengthening your case.
- Compensation: Accurate medical documentation is crucial for determining the compensation amount. It helps calculate medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Exploring Alternatives to Traditional Doctor Visits After a Car Accident
Traditional doctor visits may not be the only solution when seeking medical care after a car accident. Nowadays, various non-traditional options can provide the necessary care and documentation for your claim.
One such option is telemedicine, which allows you to consult with a healthcare professional remotely using video calls. This can be especially useful if you cannot visit a doctor in person due to physical limitations.
Additionally, some clinics offer walk-in appointments where you can receive immediate care without a scheduled appointment. These alternatives ensure you receive the medical attention you need while supporting your car accident claim.
A Car Accident Lawyer Will Help With Your Case
It’s crucial to seek medical attention after a car accident, as delaying treatment can negatively impact your case. Common injuries sustained in car accidents may not be immediately apparent. Medical documentation is essential in supporting your claim.
While there may be alternatives to traditional doctor visits, consulting with a medical professional is still recommended. Taking care of your health and properly documenting your injuries will greatly strengthen your car accident case.
At SKG, we understand that car accidents can lead to life-changing injuries and want to help you reclaim your life. Our car accident lawyers will closely collaborate with you to strengthen your claim. Call us today for a free legal consultation.
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