Blog Post

Importance Of Seeking Medical Attention After A Car Accident

While car accidents are not uncommon occurrences on Arizona’s roads, being involved in a car crash is always a scary and confusing experience. In fact, a crash victim can feel so overwhelmed that they might forego seeking medical attention after a car accident. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, there were nearly 100,000 motor vehicle accidents in the state in 2020. Seeking medical attention is one of the most important things you can do after an automobile accident. Consider speaking with our experienced car accident attorney at Chuck Franklin Law to discuss your particular case and learn more about what steps you can take to protect your rights while seeking the compensation to which you are entitled. Call (480) 545-0700 for a free case review.

How Soon Should You Get Medical Care After a Car Crash?

Many people who have been involved in a car crash wonder, “How soon should I seek medical attention following the accident?” Generally speaking, it is in your best interest to visit an emergency room or go to a hospital immediately after the collision.

You should undergo a full medical evaluation even if you feel completely fine after the accident. Some accident injuries may not be apparent right away. In fact, symptoms may take days or even weeks to become problematic after the crash. A doctor will quickly and accurately diagnose your injuries, if any, and begin the appropriate treatment right away.

Why Is It Important to Seek Medical Attention After a Car Accident?

The importance of receiving medical care following the crash cannot be overstated, especially if you will be seeking compensation through a personal injury claim. There are two things to consider when talking about the importance of seeking medical attention after a car accident:

• Your health
• Your right to financial compensation

Your Health

First and foremost, receiving medical care immediately after a car accident is essential for your own health. Traumatic brain injuries, concussions, internal bleeding, and certain other injuries may not be apparent right away. A car crash can trigger a rush of adrenaline and shock, which could mask the pain and other symptoms of an injury. For this reason, it is best to see a doctor and get a full medical check-up following the crash to protect your health.

Your Right to Financial Compensation

Delaying medical attention after a car crash can jeopardize your personal injury claim. By failing to visit a doctor right away, you give an insurance company an excuse to argue that your injuries are not a result of the accident or that your injuries are not as severe as you claim. Therefore, it is best to visit a doctor immediately after the crash to protect your right to maximum compensation.

Seeking medical attention following the crash helps you to document your injuries and start any necessary treatment right away. If you are not sure what to do after you have been involved in a car accident and need assistance with obtaining financial compensation, consider speaking with the experienced car accident attorney at Chuck Franklin Law.

What Happens If You Do Not See a Doctor Immediately After the Accident?

There are at least four reasons to visit a doctor as soon as possible after your car crash, including the following:

• Your injuries may worsen
• Your insurance company may deny your personal injury claim
• You will not have medical records to support your claim
• The insurance company may undervalue your claim

Your Injuries May Worsen

Many victims of car accidents forego seeing a doctor because they believe that their injury is minor or that they were not injured at all. However, some injuries stemming from a car accident may not manifest symptoms right away. If you do not obtain a diagnosis and proper treatment for your injuries immediately after the crash, your injuries may worsen. Therefore, seeking medical attention after a car accident is vital for your health.

Your Insurance Company May Deny Your Personal Injury Claim

An insurance company is likely to deny your claim if you fail to seek medical attention within a reasonable amount of time following the accident. The insurer may argue that your injuries were caused by something else because you have no medical records to prove that your injuries were the immediate result of the car crash.

You Will Not Have Medical Records To Support Your Claim

Medical records for injuries stemming from a car crash can be invaluable evidence in your personal injury case. The hospital or doctor’s office documentation after a medical check-up can demonstrate the extent of your injuries, the prescribed treatment, whether you are expected to fully recover, and other useful information for your personal injury claim. Your medical records will be used to calculate the appropriate settlement amount in your case.

The Insurance Company May Undervalue Your Claim

If you were involved in a car accident, you should do whatever it takes to maximize compensation in order to ensure that you are fairly compensated for your losses and damages. However, if you fail to receive medical care right after the accident, the insurance company is more likely to undervalue your claim by arguing that your injuries are not as severe as you have asserted.

Keep in mind that Arizona law imposes a strict time limit on your right to file a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident. According to Arizona Revised Statutes § 12-542, injured parties have two years following their injury to file a lawsuit.

Contact a Car Accident Attorney in Arizona

Being involved in a car accident can be scary and overwhelming. Receiving immediate medical care is critical if you were involved in a car crash. Once you have sought medical attention after a car accident, consider contacting a knowledgeable attorney who can help you navigate the claims process and advocate for your rights in your personal injury case. Call (480) 545-0700 to connect directly with the skilled and compassionate Attorney Chuck Franklin at Chuck Franklin Law learn more about your legal rights.