If you are involved in a car crash, you might think you are injured at first. After all, some injuries are not evident for days or even weeks after the crash. You don’t want to delay seeking medical care.
A delay in medical treatment can lead to your personal injury claim being denied. You should see a medical professional for an assessment right away. If you don’t go immediately, you should seek care within 72 hours of the crash. There are at least two reasons delaying your medical care is a mistake after a car accident.
Reasons to Seek Medical Attention Right Away
First, delaying medical care can put your health at risk. You could have injuries more serious than you imagine and by continuing with your regular duties, you could be making the injuries even worse. As an example, there have been instances where people had internal injuries, such as a ruptured spleen or injured abdomen, and postponing care became life-threatening.
Another reason you should not delay your care is that you are reducing the amount of money you could recover from the at-fault driver’s insurance company for your injuries and damages.
One of the first pieces of data fed into the software system used by the insurance adjuster is whether you sought medical care within 72 hours of the crash. If you sought medical care within that timeframe, you have added a value driver to the insurance company software calculations, which can have a significant financial impact.
Maintain Documentation
You will need to maintain documentation to support your claim and show your injuries and the medical care that you received. Keep copies of medical records, medical bills, and document any missed work and lost wages. Take photos of any visible injuries.
Photograph any damage to your vehicle and get an estimate for repairing your car. Damage to your vehicle can tell a lot about your injuries and the severity of the impact to your vehicle and how your body was affected.
The whip-like motion or back and forth sling of an impact can lead to serious injuries that might affect you for years to come. Also, be sure to make note of any medical care needed in the future and any future lost wages. You need to maintain a file to show both economic and non-economic losses.
Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have been injured in an accident, you should consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, so you have nothing to lose. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page today, so you can get your case reviewed.
You have nothing to lose. Also, a statute of limitations applies, so time is of the essence. Don’t wait until it is too late to be compensated for your damages. Now is the time to act because your damages might even be worse than you think at first.
