doctor talking to patientSome accident victims suffer significant pain right after an accident, and others are taken immediately from the scene by ambulance. However, those lucky enough to walk away from a crash may be tempted to skip a visit to the emergency room. It’s important for these victims to know that accident injuries cannot always be seen by the naked eye—and injuries that remain untreated could have long-term (or deadly) effects.

Why It’s Important to Get Prompt Medical Care After an Injury

As a personal injury trial attorney, I always recommend that accident victims receive medical attention on the same day as the accident. The longer you wait, the worse it could be for your:  

  • Health. Your health is the most important thing you have, and it should be your highest priority after an accident. If you are hurt, no matter how minor your injuries seem, you should not wait to get medical help.
  • Insurance coverage. The bills for your medical treatment are vital proof of your injuries for the insurance company. The sooner you get treatment, the sooner you will have the necessary evidence to negotiate a settlement of your claim. This includes prompt emergency treatment but also avoiding any gaps in your follow-up doctor visits.
  • Personal injury lawsuit. In order for your personal injury claim to be successful, you will have to show that your injuries were caused by the accident. The longer you wait to see a doctor, the more likely it is that the insurance company will argue that 1) you were not seriously injured or 2) that something else caused your injuries.

Insurers have a dedicated team of lawyers to fight and defeat injury claims, so it is vital that you have your own attorney by your side. If you suffered a serious injury, the legal team at GriffithLaw would be honored to fight on your behalf. Simply fill out the short contact form on this page or give us a call at (615) 807-7900 to learn more.