Getting into a car accident can be an overwhelming, confusing and stressful experience. He or she may be unsure about what to do next. However, one of the most important things that car accident victims can do is receive medical care as soon as possible. Certain injuries may remain hidden and not become apparent for several days or weeks but could worsen over time if left untreated.
The Oshkosh car accident lawyers at Sigman Janssen further discuss the benefits of seeing a doctor after a crash and having a medical record on file. To learn whether you have a valid claim, speak to a member of our legal team anytime, day or night, for a risk-free consultation.
Protect Your Health
Protecting your health after a crash is the first priority. A licensed medical professional will be able to determine the extent of your injuries and provide an appropriate treatment plan for your recovery.
Seek Immediate Medical Treatment
After calling 9-1-1 and having emergency personnel arrive at the accident scene, it is important to follow any medical advice given and allow them to take you to the hospital to get checked out. A doctor will be able to perform a detailed examination and run diagnostic tests to assess your medical condition.
Minimize the Risk of Hidden Injuries
Car accidents can cause the victim to have a heightened level of adrenaline in the body, making him or her feel increased energy and possibly blocking the sensation of pain, masking the symptoms of an injury. You may not feel that you are in pain after the crash, but that does not necessarily mean that you are fine. The pain could start to set in hours to even days afterward. That is why obtaining medical care could help minimize the risk of hidden injuries and worsening your medical condition.
Follow Your Doctor’s Treatment Plan
Once you can see the doctor, be sure to follow his or her treatment plan. This plan could include taking certain prescribed and over-the-counter medications, undergoing a recommended operation or medical test, or going to see a physical therapist. These efforts could help shorten your recovery time and help you regain function and strength.
Protect Your Potential Claim
Secondary to your well-being is protecting your potential claim for compensation. Insurance companies are looking out for their best interests, not yours. An insurance adjuster will attempt to discredit your injuries in an effort devalue or deny a claim. It is important to not say anything that may appear to admit fault or wrongdoing as your words could be misinterpreted and could impact the outcome of your claim.
Review Medical Records and Document Your Treatment
Your medical record will contain the results of diagnostic and imaging tests, treatments, medications, and any notes the doctor makes about you and your health. This can be a critical piece of evidence for your claim, connecting the accident to the injuries you have suffered.
As you go through treatment, be sure to document it. Your lawyer may ask that you keep a daily journal to write down your pain levels, symptoms, how the injury has affected your life and relationships with loved ones. This journal can be used to show that you have followed the doctor’s orders. This could be especially useful when trying to pursue damages for the pain and suffering you have experienced.
How Insurers View Victims Who Refuse or Stop Receiving Care
It is important that you do everything possible to ensure a full recovery while also protecting yourself in the event you file an insurance claim.
Refusing or stopping medical care gives insurance companies the chance to deny that your injury was caused by the crash. The insurance adjuster may say that your injury is not as severe as you claim, or that your injury was caused by another incident that occurred between the time of the crash and the time you obtained treatment. It may also be argued that your injury worsened when you stopped care.
Reach Out to Our Lawyers for Legal Help
If you have been involved in a car accident due to negligence, you may be eligible for compensation to help cover costs associated with hospitalization and doctor’s visits, loss of wages from being unable to work while in recovery, and for pain and suffering, both physical and mental.
At Sigman Janssen, our lawyers have helped many injury victims and their loved ones pursue full compensation for their injuries and damages. Our initial consultations and legal services are free of charge unless and until we help you obtain compensation through a settlement or verdict.
For a free case review, contact our firm at (877) 888-5201.