After a minor collision, you might feel tempted to brush off the crash and skip visiting the emergency room altogether. However, seeking medical attention even after seemingly minor accidents can be important for both your health and any potential legal claims.
What makes some injuries so difficult to detect?
Many serious injuries do not show immediate symptoms. Whiplash, concussions, internal bleeding and soft tissue damage can potentially take hours or days to become apparent. You might feel fine during the accident due to adrenaline, only to experience pain or other symptoms later.
By the time symptoms appear, your condition may become worse. Early treatment could prevent complications and ensure you receive appropriate care before conditions become more serious. A doctor may also identify injuries you might not notice on your own and create treatment plans to support your recovery.
How do medical records help your case?
If you decide to pursue compensation for your injuries, your medical records could provide crucial evidence. Seeking immediate health care can provide you with evidence that links your injuries to the accident. This connection usually becomes harder to establish if you wait days or weeks before seeing a doctor.
Insurance companies often argue that delayed medical treatment means injuries were not serious or were caused by something other than the accident. They might use gaps in your care as reasons to reduce or deny your claim. Prompt medical attention could protect you against these claims and demonstrate that you took your injuries seriously from the start.
Medical records may also help you secure Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. In Maryland, you must generally submit your initial application for PIP benefits within one year of the accident. These benefits could cover medical expenses incurred for up to three years following the crash.
While missing the one-year application deadline is risky, an insurance company usually cannot deny your claim unless they prove your delay caused it actual harm or ‘prejudice’ in handling the case.
What can you do after a crash?
It may be beneficial to visit a doctor or emergency room after your accident, even if you feel okay. Try to explain all your symptoms to the doctor, no matter how minor they seem. Afterwards, follow your doctor’s treatment recommendations and attend all follow-up appointments.
Try to keep copies of all medical records, bills and receipts related to your treatment. Document your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. This information could be valuable if you need to take legal action.
Protecting your health and right to recovery
The decision to seek medical care after a minor crash is not just about protecting a potential claim. It is also about protecting yourself. By prioritizing your health and documenting your injuries from the start, you may have an easier time recovering – both physically and financially.
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