Why is it Important to See a Doctor After an Accident?

If you have been in a serious accident, you still may be in shock, and decide to go home without being examined by a doctor. However, going to see a doctor after an accident is extremely important, not only for your own personal health, but also for any litigation that might result from the accident. But why is it so important to see a doctor after a serious accident?

1. You might be injured and not realize it
   • Human beings are surprisingly resilient when it comes to physical harm, and some people can walk around with serious injuries without realizing it. It is not that uncommon for people to walk away from an accident with sprains, fractures, or even traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and simply not realize it. A thorough medical examination can reveal these injuries, allowing for prompt treatment.
2. Waiting too long may cause medical complications
   • If you wait too long to see a doctor after an accident, any injuries you have suffered could worsen, resulting in complications. A hairline fracture could spread until you suffer a full break, while strained muscles might get overworked and turn into a full muscle tear. If you try to tough it out and avoid seeing a doctor, you are more likely to hurt yourself and your case.
3. You will need medical evidence to collect for injuries
   • If you are injured in a serious accident, you can recover compensation for any injuries you suffer from the accident. However, to recover that money, you first need medical evidence tying your injuries to your accident. If you fail to see a doctor, you will have a hard time proving your injuries are related to the accident, making it harder to get compensation for the harm you have suffered.
4. Waiting too long can make it difficult to recover
   • You should also make sure not to wait too long to see a doctor after an accident. Generally, it is recommended that you get medical attention within 48 hours of your accident, even if you feel fine. Any longer than that, and it is possible that your insurer (or anyone else you bring a lawsuit against) will try to argue your injuries are not related to your accident, reducing the amount of money you can recover.
5. It can help with negotiation and litigation
   • While you may be offered an initial settlement after an accident, that is generally the lowest amount of money you can expect. The more evidence you have at your disposal, the easier it is for you to negotiate for a better settlement, or to prove damages at trial. And if you do get involved in a lawsuit over your accident, your best bet is to have an experienced personal injury lawyer who can argue on your behalf.

For more than 40 years, the Drucker Law Firm has been providing personal and quality legal services to individuals, universities, and corporations throughout the New York City and Tri-State area. We have represented three generations of clients in personal injury cases, as well as immigration and general litigation matters. If you have a legal issue related to personal injury law, please give us a call at (718) 458-1489 to schedule a consultation or visit our contact page.