Immediately after a car accident, you may initially feel fine. If you believe you have not suffered severe injuries, it may be tempting to avoid calling law enforcement officials or emergency responders to the accident scene. However, in nearly every motor vehicle crash, it is almost always in your best interests to obtain a medical evaluation.
Failure to do so could make it difficult or impossible for you to recover the compensation you would have otherwise been entitled to from the liable party. Here is more about why seeing a doctor after a car accident should be a top priority and how a Oklahoma car accident attorney can help you protect yourself from being taken advantage of by the at-fault party.
Why You Should Always See a Doctor After a Car Accident
Even if you initially feel as though your injuries may be minor or you did not suffer severe injuries, it is crucial to obtain a medical evaluation after a car accident. There are several reasons why, including the following:
You Might Have Invisible Injuries
Despite feeling as though your injuries are not severe or you have not suffered any injuries that require medical attention, it is in your best interests to get evaluated by a medical professional. This is largely because you may have suffered invisible injuries, or the adrenaline coursing through your body after this traumatic event is preventing you from feeling the extent of your car accident injuries.
By getting medical attention immediately after the accident, you can rule out the potential for injuries that are not readily visible. For example, if you suffered a concussion, internal bleeding, organ failure, or any other type of injury that may not immediately present itself, a medical evaluation should reveal it so you can get the treatment and care you need. If you do not get medical help and your injuries remain untreated, your condition could ultimately worsen and lead to far more severe damages.
The Defense Will Use It Against You
If you do not obtain medical help after the accident, you can expect the liable party to attempt to use it against you. They may argue that your injuries are not as serious as you claim. If you are accused of exaggerating the extent of your condition, you could wind up with a substantially lower settlement if you cannot give good cause for your lack of medical treatment or care, despite seeking compensation for these losses.
Another tactic insurance companies and liable parties used to reduce their obligations is to argue that since you did not receive medical treatment after the accident, your injuries must have occurred in another way. They may argue that you suffered a slip and fall down the stairs or were injured on someone else’s property and that this accident was the cause of the injuries you sustained. You can protect yourself from unjust accusations by getting medical attention and seeing a doctor as soon as possible after your car crash.
You Need Valuable Evidence to Support Your Case
Did you know the burden of proof in a civil claim is based on a preponderance of the evidence? In a criminal court, district attorneys must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt to obtain a conviction. When you file a civil lawsuit, the burden of proof is based on the evidence presented.
Your car accident lawyer must present evidence convincing the jury and judge that the defendant’s negligence was the proximate cause of your injuries. When you get medical help after the accident, these records can prove invaluable in supporting your case.
Medical records can describe the severity of your injuries when you were first evaluated. They also include your medical treatment, prognosis, and a complete collection of your medical expenses. This way, you can ensure you seek maximum compensation for your losses and do not get stuck covering medical bills the liable party should take care of for you.
Our Team Is Here To Assist You Every Step Of The Way.
SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY TODAYWhen to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer for Help
Now that you know it is almost always a good idea to obtain medical help after a car accident, you may be wondering whether you need to call an attorney for help. As soon as you have an opportunity to do so, get a legal advocate on your side. If you can contact our car accident attorneys at BDIW Law while you are still at the accident scene or in the hospital, we can come to you.
The sooner you get us working on your case, the better. Substantial evidence could be collected at the scene of the car accident and used to prove negligence and liability for your losses. You may even still be at the hospital when you’re ready to call us. In that case, our team can meet you there to discuss how the accident happened and obtain copies of the medical records and documents we need to prove the severity of your injuries and the extent your injuries are expected to affect your life.
Once you are discharged from the hospital, the last thing you should have to worry about is dealing with a complex legal case. When you have a car accident attorney working for you, you can heal, continue receiving medical treatment, and start to rebuild your life. Our team will work on gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, accurately calculating the value of your claim, and fighting for the compensation you are owed.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney for Legal Guidance Today
Having a reputable car accident lawyer on your side could make all the difference in the outcome of your case. This is particularly true if you did not initially obtain a medical evaluation in the hours after the accident. The liable party should still compensate you for your damages.
Our team can help you build a powerful case and maximize your financial recovery. Learn more about what your next steps should be when you contact BDIW Law for a free, no-obligation consultation today. You can reach us through our online contact form or by phone to get started.
