THE IMPORTANCE OF SEEKING MEDICAL ATTENTION AFTER ACCIDENTS
For a number of reasons, seeking medical attention after an accident is vital. No matter the type of injury, your health and safety are the top priority, not to mention the impact it could have on a possible case. While you may think you are saving time and money by skipping out on proper medical attention, not seeing a health care professional may do more harm than good.
At Shep Law Group, we understand this is a difficult situation. Injuries can be and usually are life-changing, necessitating massive medical expenses to receive treatment. Thankfully, Idaho law allows you to hold the party responsible for your personal injury accountable. We are proud to represent clients in Boise, Meridian, Ada County, Canyon County, and throughout the state of Idaho.
Common Injuries After an Accident
Accidents cause a huge variety of injuries. Depending on the type of accident, there will be some uniformity in terms of where and what is injured. Many individuals will have minor injuries from a car accident, but in some cases, people might experience major injuries. The most common injuries include:
Whiplash
Neck and back pain
Headaches and migraines
Soft tissue injuries
Lacerations
Broken bones
Bruised ribs
Why Seeking Medical Attention is Important
No matter how you’re injured in an accident, whether in the car or walking into a store, you must seek medical attention when needed. This is especially true if you don’t feel hurt right away, as sometimes it takes time for the pain to present itself.
Your Own Sake
You must seek medical attention to ensure you were not injured during the accident. Many people discover that while they seem unhurt at first, they begin to notice injuries later, after the adrenaline or shock of the accident has faded. You may also have a high pain tolerance, so the injury can seem less critical in the early stages. It’s best to play it safe and visit a doctor who can examine you to ensure you are not experiencing anything that could be missed at first glance, like a concussion or internal bleeding.
Documentation
If you put off seeing a doctor after an accident, you will create more obstacles for yourself when speaking with insurance. You will need to provide proof that your injuries were a result of the specific accident. If not, it might be difficult for you to claim the maximum compensation you deserve. Doctors can help you provide the evidence needed to ensure that you and your loved ones are financially supported.
Your Insurance Company Can (and Will) Use It Against You
Simply put, insurance companies have a reputation for downplaying injuries to keep costs down. The longer someone goes without seeing a doctor, the harder it will be to establish a link between their injuries and the accident. The documents containing information on a person’s medical treatment and diagnosis serve as crucial evidence.
Following Through with the Treatment Plan
While every person is different, there should be a three-day window for the injured party should seek medical treatment. Not only is it vital to seek medical treatment after an accident, but it is also important to follow all of the doctor’s recommendations. This means filing any necessary prescriptions, participating in required physical therapy, following orders regarding rest, and more.
If you fail to follow the treatment plan, however, the insurance company may try to use your non-compliance as a justification to reduce their settlement or even deny their claim completely. For this reason, following their doctor’s recommendations is a critical part of protecting their rights after an accident.
How Legal Counsel Can Help
People injured in accidents must seek medical treatment for their health and the protection of their legal rights. At Shep Law Group, our team is committed to helping injured victims recover the compensation they deserve. Don't face these challenges alone, schedule a free consultation with either of our offices. We proudly serve clients in Boise, Meridian, Ada County, Canyon County, and throughout the state of Idaho. Contact us by telephone or through our website.