The Importance of Seeking Medical Attention Right Away After a Car Accident: Advice from Injury Lawyers
The importance of seeking medical attention promptly after a car accident cannot be overstated. This is a critical step in the process of recovering from accident-related injuries and seeking compensation from the liable party. Even in minor car accidents, legal advice will always err on the side of caution. You should seek medical attention, even if it is just to rule out the possibility of a severe injury with latent symptoms. You also have legal options after a minor car collision.
Advice from injury lawyers can also help you navigate the entire claims process. You can also explore your options for filing a lawsuit. A Florida car accident lawyer can handle your entire case while you rest and recover.
Seemingly Minor Car Accident Injuries Can Prove Severe
Severe car accident injuries are obvious from the start, requiring immediate medical intervention. You may have had to take an ambulance to the hospital, undergo surgeries, and face a long road to recovery. Not all severe injuries are readily apparent, though. Seemingly minor injuries can hide long-lasting or even life-threatening complications.
For example, Mayo Clinic notes that whiplash symptoms may not manifest for days after an accident. If you delay or forgo medical treatment for this injury, it could worsen and cause chronic pain. Other car accident injuries that may be difficult to spot early on include:
- Internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding
- Herniated discs
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
If you feel any pain, numbness, or tingling or your loved ones notice behavioral changes after an auto accident, it may imply a severe injury. Even if you don’t, it’s better to be safe than sorry. The best way to protect your health and your case is to seek immediate medical attention, even if you did not require emergency medical care at the scene of the accident.
Seeking Medical Attention After a Car Accident Can Protect Your Right to Compensation
Another reason to seek medical attention sooner rather than later is that it can help you seek fair compensation from the liable party. Whether you plan on filing an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit, you will need to document your accident-related injuries. This accomplishes two things:
- It establishes a link between the accident and your injuries and financial losses.
- It helps your auto accident attorney assess your losses and seek what you deserve.
A car accident lawyer Fort Lauderdale and Car Accident Lawyer Fort Myers will gather your medical records, as well as bills and receipts, to support your case. They may also consult with your doctor or other medical professionals whose testimony can help. For example, your prognosis will be important when determining future medical expenses, such as ongoing physical therapy or in-home aid.
Potential Compensation in a Car Accident Case
Under Florida Statutes § 627.736, all drivers are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP). In most accidents, you would file a claim with your insurer to cover your medical bills, but your PIP may be insufficient. Depending upon the severity of your injuries, you may pursue compensation from the at-fault driver as well.
When you hire an injury lawyer, they will assess both your economic and non-economic losses so that they seek fair financial recovery. This includes both your current and future accident-related expenses, too.
You may stand to recover a variety of losses, including:
- Current and ongoing medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Disability
- Lost income
- Reduced earning potential
- Loss of quality of life
- Property damage
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Wrongful death damages
They can then file an insurance claim and negotiate for a fair settlement. They can protect you from bad-faith insurance tactics that aim to undervalue or deny your claim. They can also file a personal injury lawsuit to seek a verdict. Every car accident case is unique, so the process and potential outcome will vary.
You Can Discuss Your Car Accident Case During a Free Consultation
You may be wondering, “Do I need an attorney for a small car accident?” Even if you are in doubt about the severity of your injuries and how much compensation they warrant, hiring a Miami car accident lawyer for a minor car crash can help you gain clarity on your legal options.
Additionally, many personal injury law firms work on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not have to pay upfront or hourly for legal services. Their payment depends on their ability to secure compensation for you. This also gives you peace of mind, knowing that they are working hard on your case.
Call Us For Advice About the Importance of Seeking Medical Attention After a Car Accident
The Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato advocates for car accident victims and their families. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a collision, do not delay or forgo seeking medical attention. The sooner you act, the better your chances of making a full recovery from your injuries. Also, Florida Statutes § 95.11 limits your time to file a personal injury lawsuit to two years. We can handle your entire car accident case while you rest. Call us today at (954) 633-8270 or contact us online.
