When a motor vehicle accident occurs, you may talk yourself out of seeking medical treatment.
Even if you do not have visible wounds or feelings of pain right away, failure to address your accident with a healthcare provider can prove devastating in the days, weeks and months to come.
1. Your health will suffer
Even if the crash is minor and you feel fine, you may have injuries you do not know about. The event may cause an adrenaline spike that masks your pain, which will return once you calm down. Failure to treat an injury can lead to deterioration of bone and muscle-related damage. Additionally, the longer you wait, the more expensive and extensive your treatment may become.
2. It may be tough to prove your claim
When you file a claim against the responsible party in the aftermath of a car accident, your medical records are necessary to prove your injuries and support your argument. Waiting for an extended period to see a doctor leaves room for doubt that the collision is the true cause of your injury.
3. The insurance company will minimize your damages
Even when you are clearly a victim of someone else’s negligence, insurance companies will search for ways to blame you to mitigate their responsibility. Waiting to seek treatment for your injuries gives them a reason to dispute the severity of your case, and minimize your payout.
As a motorist sharing the roads, it is important to understand that your actions immediately following an auto accident will affect your health as well as your ability to recover the compensation you deserve for care, lost wages and suffering.
