If you have any symptoms or injuries following an accident, it is important you seek medical care right away, first and foremost for your health and the best chance of a recovery.
Additionally, if you didn’t go to the doctor after a car accident, you could put the outcome of your case at risk because insurance companies like to argue you couldn’t have been that hurt if you didn’t go to the doctor. This happens even when people are very hurt, but they don’t want to deal with the hassle of going to the emergency room after a car accident.
Insurance companies may deny your claim because you failed to seek medical care or because there isn’t enough information about your injuries. Even so, you may still have options to move forward. Consult an Orlando car accident lawyer from DWK Law to learn how.
Why should I see a doctor after my accident?
Seeking medical care right away optimizes your recovery and also serves to document your injuries from your personal injury claim; this helps your attorney advocate for full compensation.
The initial treatment helps assess the true scope of your injuries, as some may not be visible to the naked eye. Conditions such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), herniated discs, and internal injuries, such as organ damage and internal bleeding, may not be apparent right away. Medical testing is typically how these conditions are discovered and then treated.
To compensate you for your losses, the insurance company needs to know the full extent of your car accident injuries. Medical expenses often make up most of your recoverable damages, and their value depends on accurate medical documentation. Without that information, the insurer may question or deny the claim.
What are my options for receiving medical attention after a car accident?
After an accident, you have a few options for seeking medical care. Paramedics can examine you at the scene of an accident and determine your initial next steps. They may suggest or take you to the emergency room at one of the local hospitals, such as Orlando Regional Medical Center or AdventHealth Orlando. If your injuries are not as severe, you could also see your primary care doctor after a car accident. Urgent Care is another option if you need timely medical attention.
Can I still file an accident claim if I did not go to the doctor right away?
Whether you were concerned about the expense of medical care or did not notice any initial injuries, seeing a doctor may not have been a high priority immediately after an accident. While the delay in talking with a physician may be understandable, it can make it harder to recover your losses.
Florida’s laws regarding personal injury protection coverage allow for a 14-day window to receive medical care. Even if you failed to get medical attention within that time period, you may still be able to file a legal claim. Be sure to get medical attention as soon as possible, keep all of your medical records, and talk with experienced car accident lawyers right away.
What compensation can injury lawyers help you recover in a car accident claim?
With the help of a personal injury attorney, you could still recover some degree of compensation that can help you cover medical expenses, lost wages, and more, depending on your situation. To make sure you secure the maximum amount of compensation, you should let your lawyer communicate on your behalf and handle all settlement negotiations.
Consult DWK Law about your case options
The sooner you can receive medical attention, the more successful the outcome of your case will be. However, do not assume that you are out of options if you do not see a doctor right away. Talk with a car accident attorney first to understand your options and the steps you should take from here. Contact our office at (407) 244-3000 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation about your case.