The aftermath of a car accident can be widespread and devastating to all those involved. Between filing a claim and contacting your insurance, there may seem to be little time to see a doctor right away. Yet that’s exactly what you should do. Failing to receive a doctor’s report can have major repercussions on your claim when it comes to receiving compensation for injuries. These are reasons you should see a doctor sooner rather than later.
A Doctor Confirms Your Injuries
A doctor is essential in proving that your injuries occurred during the accident. Without a doctor’s report that confirms your injuries, an insurance company can claim your injuries didn’t happen during the accident. This gives them an excuse not to pay your medical bills and other injury-related costs.
Too Much Time Poorly Affects Your Claim
Ideally, you should see a doctor no later than 72 hours after the accident. If you are seriously injured, you’ll likely go to the emergency room, but you should still make a follow-up checkup after that. If you don’t think you are injured, see a doctor anyway. The longer you wait, the greater chances the insurance company has of saying your injuries weren’t caused by the accident.
If you have personal injury protection, you have two weeks to seek medical attention after the accident. That insurance coverage can keep you financially afloat while you wait for compensation from the other driver’s insurance, so don’t hesitate to go.
You May Have Future Injuries
Not all injuries first appear right after the accident. Some can take several weeks to emerge, and you’ll want to know if there’s a chance of that happening. If a doctor suggests you return for a follow-up appointment, don’t skip it. You could be facing major medical bills down the road and you want to increase your odds at having the costs covered in the claim.
If you’re ever uncertain about what to do following the accident, call your insurance agent to get a clear list of steps. You can also contact a lawyer for advice on how to proceed. An experienced car accident lawyer in Indianapolis, IN, like from Ward & Ward Law Firm, has seen clients lose out on valuable money because they waited too long to see a doctor. If you’re in doubt, talk to one to see if you’re making the right decision. If you don’t want to contact a lawyer yet, at least get one medical checkup so that all your bases are covered.