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Plenty of crash victims decide not to seek medical treatment after getting into a collision. This choice can make it tough for them down the road, especially if they attempt to file a claim against the at-fault driver or recover damages through a personal injury lawsuit. Even in a low-speed crash, drivers and passengers should always make an appointment to be checked by a trained, trusted professional within the first couple days after the collision.
Top Reasons Accident Victims Avoid Seeking Treatment
Victims commonly avoid or delay treatment for numerous reasons. The first may be that they feel fine after a crash. They assume that because they can walk away, they must be fine. However, plenty of problems, such as concussions, whiplash, and even broken ribs may not be obvious for more than a day after the incident.
Another reason is fear of high medical bills. Yet, if they ignore medical problems, they may get so severe that the result is a much more expensive invoice and longer recovery period. Additionally, some crash victims like to wait and see how they feel. Maybe they have always been healthy and fear that going to a physician for attention will make them seem less robust or strong. Again, these people take a huge risk, especially if their trauma requires surgery.
The Issue with Seeking Treatment Later
Car accident victims who seek medical treatment days or weeks after the crash put themselves at a greater risk of having their insurance claim denied by the carrier. Insurance providers will do whatever they can to avoid paying claims. If a victim does not see a doctor or emergency medical provider after the accident, the victim’s injury could be deemed questionable by the carrier. For instance, the insurance carrier’s representative may conclude that the injury could not have been sustained during the crash after investigating the crash scene images and talking to witnesses. At this point, it would be up to the victim to provide other proof, which can be very challenging to do.
What to Do Medically After an Accident
Every person who has been hurt in an accident or who may have been hurt should be examined by medical personnel. The examination will be helpful, especially if further injuries begin to appear later. Plus, it can heed off future problems by identifying injuries that the victim may not have felt yet. Insurance companies have a much harder time denying proactive victims’ claims.
Virginia Beach Car Accident Lawyers Help Injured Victims Claim the Compensation They Deserve
If you were injured in a car accident, consider contacting a Virginia Beach car accident lawyer to discuss your options. At East Coast Trial Lawyers, we will review your case and determine the next best steps. Call us today at 757-352-2237 or fill out our online contact form. Located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, we serve clients throughout Chesapeake, Eastern Shores, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Suffolk.
