There’s always a lot to do in the wake of a serious wreck. From arranging alternative transportation to getting someone to cover your shifts at work, being involved in a car accident can add dozens of tasks to an already-full schedule. Regardless of just how busy you are, though, you shouldn’t forego a visit to the doctor after a car accident.
Even if you feel relatively fine, it’s essential that you prioritize your health immediately following a collision and receive a comprehensive medical evaluation. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest reasons why:
1. Your Health May Be in Jeopardy
From whiplash to internal bleeding, there are a number of impact injuries that can have latent symptoms. Even potentially catastrophic injuries like brain damage may not be apparent for days—or even weeks.
As such, you shouldn’t put off seeing a doctor just because you feel fine. Some injuries that aren’t immediately obvious can cause life-threatening complications without prompt medical attention.
It’s also important to remember that getting in a collision is inherently stressful, and it’s not uncommon for the resulting shock and adrenaline to mask some of the most worrisome symptoms.
2. The Insurer Will Look for Any Reason to Challenge Your Claim
Personal injury claimants must take reasonable measures to mitigate damages. This includes seeking medical care in a timely manner and following your doctor’s orders over the course of your recovery. Failing to do either could reduce the total compensation to which you are entitled.
If you postpone treatment, for example, and end up suffering complications as a result, the claims adjuster may be able to shift some liability your way because you would be partially to blame for the severity of your condition. Should this happen, your total recoverable damages would be reduced accordingly under New York’s pure comparative fault rule.
3. You Will Need Proof of Causation and Damages
Every successful car accident claim includes sufficient evidence of both causation and damages. Visiting a doctor right away will help prove causation by linking your injuries to the crash in question. If you were to wait weeks—or even months—to seek treatment, it may be fairly easy for the claims adjuster to dispute causation because there might not be sufficient evidence to connect your condition and the wreck.
It’s important to visit a doctor after a car accident right away. It will help in proving damages because it will yield tangible evidence of your injuries such as diagnostic images, hospital logs, and prescriptions. Make sure to save all such documents so you have a detailed record of your injuries and their associated treatments.
Call 716-855-3761 to Speak with a Car Accident Lawyer in Buffalo, New York
If you were recently involved in a car accident, turn to Andrew T. Gill at LoTempio P.C. Law Group after undergoing your medical evaluation. He will examine the situation from all angles to help you determine how best to proceed.
Our compassionate legal team has more than 200 years of combined experience practicing law. Call 716-855-3761 or fill out our Contact Form to schedule a free consultation with a car accident attorney in New York.
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