It is essential that you obtain medical care soon after you have been injured in a car accident. Even in cases where you may feel “fine,” a medical evaluation is the only way to be sure that you have not suffered devastating invisible injuries.
If you need emergency medical care after your car accident, there are specific things that you should keep in mind. For example, medical treatment is essential to your health and your case for compensation. Consider the following five things you need to know about going to the emergency room after a car accident.
You May Need Additional Medical Treatment for Your Injuries
It is more common than you might think for car accident victims to feel “fine“ or “OK“ and reject the medical attention offered by emergency responders. Unfortunately, this could result in devastating and life-threatening injuries.
Injuries that you can’t see with the naked eye could be severe. Head and brain injuries, concussions, organ failure, internal bleeding, and other complications could have a debilitating impact on your life. You may not experience their symptoms immediately, though.
If you have to go to the emergency room, accept the treatment the doctors suggest. You may also require additional medical treatment after you are discharged from the hospital. Follow up with your primary care physician or a specialist to continue any necessary treatment. Delaying treatment can worsen your injuries or lead to permanent impairment.
Delaying Medical Treatment Could Adversely Affect Your Case
Forgoing medical treatment risks not only your health but also your case for compensation. If you refuse medical treatment, insurers have the opportunity to argue that you contributed to your injuries. They could then undervalue or deny your claim.
Another reason to follow your treatment plan is to build evidence for your case. Medical documentation can help link your injuries to the accident. Your doctors can also give us an idea of how long your recovery will take and if you will suffer any ongoing medical conditions. This is important information when it comes to calculating your damages and fighting for fair compensation.
Your Medical Expenses Are Likely Going to Be High
Most people have an idea of how expensive it is to treat medical conditions and injuries in the United States. Until you have received your first medical bill, though, you may have no idea exactly how much your care will cost. Even seemingly minor injuries can result in bills amounting to thousands or tens of thousands of dollars.
Depending on the severity of your injuries, you could be facing overwhelming medical expenses, not to mention the costs of ongoing care that may be associated with injuries of this nature. Prepare yourself in advance for exorbitant medical bills. Keep meticulous records of your medical expenses, so your lawyer can include every single loss when calculating the value of your car accident settlement.
You Can Support Your Recovery and Your Case By Being Honest With Your Doctors
During your emergency room visit, nurses, doctors, and other staff may ask you questions about how you feel and how your injuries occurred.
When discussing your injuries with your healthcare providers, be honest and forthcoming. Make sure you detail every symptom you experience so they can treat you properly and provide accurate information for your case.
Even if you believe a symptom is nothing to worry about, tell your doctor about it. They can only assess your injuries accurately if they have all the information.
You Do Not Necessarily Need to Sign Insurance Forms
You can expect hospital staff to ask you to sign a wide variety of forms while you are in the ER. There may be forms that authorize your healthcare providers to treat you, information about your medical condition, and more. However, if you are asked to sign any insurance forms, or provide the hospital with your health insurance information, you are not legally required to.
Since you will be seeking recovery of these costs in your insurance and civil claims, you can instead decline to sign these forms and have your attorney determine what your next steps should be.
Consider Working With a Florida Car Accident Lawyer From Our Firm
Obtaining the necessary medical care after your car accident could make all the difference for your health and your case. Whether you file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit, your medical records can serve as key evidence. Your doctor’s testimony can help us hold another party liable and fight for fair compensation.
Find out more about how your emergency room visit could influence your case when you call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine. We can discuss how our Tampa car accident lawyers can help you. Access your free consultation today by calling 1-800-747-3733.
