The Importance of Seeking Medical Attention After an Accident
Being involved in an accident can be a traumatizing experience physically and emotionally. Often, adrenaline can mask the initial symptoms of an injury, leading many to believe they were not injured. However, this assumption can be dangerous and have long-term impacts.
As a personal injury lawyer at the Law Office of Steven R. Smith, I have seen firsthand how accidents can forever change people’s lives, especially when they do not get prompt medical attention. With an office in Garden City, New York, my team and I serve accident victims in New York and Long Island, including Mineola, Hempstead, Westbury, and New Hyde Park.
Common Injuries After an Accident
There are many types of injuries you may sustain in an accident, some of which may not be immediately apparent. Motor vehicle accidents account for a large percentage of deaths and injuries in the United States. According to the National Safety Council, an estimated nearly 2.5 million people across the U.S. suffered disabling and non-disabling injuries in motor vehicle accidents in 2021 alone.
Some of the most common injuries after an accident include:
whiplash
concussions
broken or fractured bones
internal bleeding
lacerations
head trauma
spinal injuries
herniated disks
soft tissue damage
nerve damage
The importance of seeking medical attention immediately after an accident cannot be overstated to avoid further harm and complications. Following an accident, it’s also important that you seek the support of a skilled lawyer to ensure that you understand all of the legal implications.
What Happens if You Do Not Seek Immediate Medical Attention?
Many people underestimate the severity of their injuries after an accident, but it is always crucial to receive immediate medical attention to avoid unwanted and potentially disastrous consequences. Below are some of the things that could happen if you do not seek immediate medical attention after an accident.
1. Long-Term Disabilities and Health Complications
If you do not seek medical attention after an accident, you risk developing long-term disabilities or health complications. These injuries may not be noticeable immediately after the incident, but they can worsen over time if left untreated. For example, if you have a head injury, failing to see a doctor right away can lead to complications as a result of a traumatic brain injury. Similarly, untreated back injuries can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, or paralysis.
2. The Longer You Wait, the Less Likely You Will Be to Recover Fully
The longer you wait to receive medical attention after an accident, the less likely you will be to recover fully. Many injuries require timely medical intervention to ensure proper healing. The longer you wait, the more difficult it can become to recover, and some injuries may become permanent. Seeking medical attention immediately after an accident increases your chances of full recovery.
3. The Longer You Wait, the Harder It Will Be to Prove Your Case
If you delay medical treatment, it can be challenging to prove that your injuries resulted from the accident. Insurance companies may use this delay against you to argue that your injuries are not related to the accident. Seeking medical attention not only protects your health but also strengthens your case should you need to make a claim.
4. The Insurance Company May Not Be Willing to Provide Fair and Full Compensation
If you do not seek medical attention immediately after an accident, the insurance company may not be willing to offer fair and full compensation. The company might argue that the accident did not cause significant harm if you didn’t see the need to get medical care right away. To receive fair compensation, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately after an accident.
The Effect of Not Seeking Medical Attention on Your Health
A delay in seeking medical attention may aggravate injuries and cause them to worsen. This delay may exacerbate conditions like internal bleeding, spinal injuries, head trauma, and others. A delay can also cause permanent damage to nerves or soft tissues, leading to long-term consequences. Do not ignore the long-term impact of not seeking medical attention, because timely medical care is critical to ensure that you can recover fully and efficiently.
The Effect of Not Seeking Medical Attention on Your Personal Injury Claim
Failing to seek medical attention can also impact potential injury claims. When seeking a personal injury claim, the insurance company of the person at fault for the accident may not compensate for injuries that do not have medical documentation.
Also, the insurance company may argue that the injuries sustained were not related to the accident if the victim did not immediately seek medical attention. The absence of documented medical attention would also cause difficulty in building a strong personal injury claim.
Getting the support of a lawyer will help you understand your legal rights, assist you in gathering the documentation you need to justify your personal injury claim, and represent you in any legal proceedings.
Get the Support of a Skilled Lawyer Now
If you are involved in an accident, it is always best to prioritize your safety and health, even if the accident was minor and/or you feel no symptoms. After the accident, you should also consider seeking legal counsel. At the Law Office of Steven R. Smith, I can help you navigate the legalities related to your specific situation and maximize your financial compensation. Reach out today to discuss your case.