Most people have a pretty good idea of what to do immediately after an accident. Report the collision to law enforcement, take pictures, gather witness statements, and get checked out by a doctor.
However, not many people understand that the collision is just the beginning of a car accident injury claim. No matter how bad your pain is, to recover fair compensation you have to show evidence of your injuries through medical records. Here are some of the most common questions about injury treatment and how it works for personal injury claims.
Why Must Accidents be Reported?
Accidents must be reported for a number of reasons. Most car insurance companies require you to report a collision and many states also have laws requiring you to inform law enforcement. Reporting even a minor accident can go a long way in terms of documenting what happened.
Why Is It Important to Report an Injury?
Much like reporting an accident, reporting an injury documents that it happened. Once you are evaluated by a healthcare professional, you will be building evidence of your injuries to support a personal injury claim. Without any medical evidence, insurance companies are not likely to offer compensation for pain and suffering.
Should You See a Doctor After a Minor Car Accident?
Yes. Even if you don’t feel pain right away, it is always a good idea to be checked out immediately following a collision. Sometimes delayed whiplash or other injuries take a while for symptoms to show, and having evidence that you were examined by a medical professional will help build your claim.
Many people don’t know that you don’t have to go to the hospital to have your injuries examined. You can choose to see your regular doctor, a nurse practitioner, or even a chiropractor after an accident. Any of these healthcare professionals will be able to evaluate and document your injuries.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
Timing Is Everything
How Long do You Have to Go to the Doctor After a Car Accident?
There is no set rule, but when you report an injury immediately after it occurs and begin to seek treatment, insurance adjusters and a jury are more likely to believe your claim. Software used by insurance companies to evaluate personal injury claims will also factor in how quickly you seek medical treatment.
No matter what, you should report your injuries to a doctor well before the statute of limitations in your state expires for injury claims.
How Long do You have to Report Injuries from a Car Accident?
Again, there is no set rule aside from the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit. However, delaying reporting your injuries will negatively impact your claim. The longer you wait to tell someone you are injured and describe the symptoms you are experiencing, the less a judge, jury, or insurance adjuster is likely to believe you.
Does It Matter How Long I Receive Treatment for My Injuries?
Yes. The longer you need medical treatment, the higher an insurance company will value your pain and suffering. This is one of the reasons it is essential to follow the treatment plan recommended by your doctor – not only is this the best for your health but it will go a long way towards supporting your personal injury claim as well.
Have You or Someone You Loved One Been Injured in a Car Accident?
If you were injured in an accident, contact us for a free case evaluation. We will work with you on a contingency-fee basis to gather this evidence and prove your case. You may be eligible to file a claim for medical costs, emotional distress and further damages. Fill out our free case evaluation form to see if you are eligible for a claim. An experienced accident attorney at Morris Bart will assist you in the evaluation process. Initial consultations are free. We have office locations throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas. Call us at 1-800-537-8185 today.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
