If you didn’t go to the hospital right away after an accident, you can still sue as long as you received some sort of professional medical care. If you did not promptly see a doctor for your injuries, it could be very difficult for you to recover the damages you need.
Our Florida personal injury lawyer can explain more about your rights after an accident and how to use your medical record to your advantage.
Why Is It So Important To Get Medical Attention After An Accident?
First and foremost, seeing a doctor protects your health. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and suggest treatments that minimize pain and help you heal. They can also detect any “hidden,” internal injuries you might not have noticed yet.
Medical care is also essential for your personal injury case. There are several reasons for this:
- In Florida, there is a law requiring car accident victims to seek medical help—at a hospital or elsewhere—within 14 days. Otherwise, their options for seeking compensation could be limited.
- The insurance company is more likely to believe there is a connection between your accident and your injuries if you sought treatment right away.
- Even if the insurer tries to push back on your case, medical records can show where and how you were injured and treated—but only if you saw a doctor.
- We may be able to ask your doctor to submit a statement that includes their professional opinion on your symptoms, treatment needs, and prognosis.
What Information Can Your Medical Records Show About Your Case?
Your records tell us when and where you went to seek treatment. For example, if the insurer doubts you saw a doctor within the 14-day window, your records can prove that you did.
Medical records also detail what tests and treatment you have undergone, what conditions you were diagnosed with, and what symptoms and concerns you discussed with your doctor.
If you made follow-up appointments, these should also show up in your record—as will any appointments you failed to keep. Continuing treatment until your doctor says you can stop is just as important as beginning treatment in a timely manner.
When Should You Go To The Hospital For A Personal Injury?
Heavy bleeding, any blow to the head, severe pain, and loss of consciousness are all signs that you should go to the emergency room directly from the accident scene.
Even if you do not experience any of these symptoms, if you have any health concerns at all, it is better to visit the hospital and allay those fears than to continue worrying about them. You have just been in an accident: you do not need any other “excuse” to get emergency treatment.
What If I Cannot Afford To Go To The Hospital?
While it is understandable to worry about the cost of medical care, please know that there are many ways to get help with paying your doctor’s bills:
- If you have health insurance, it should cover at least some of the cost of your visit.
- If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident, the owner of the car you were in should have access to personal injury protection (PIP) insurance that will pay some of your bills.
- If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, a legal action could compel the at-fault party’s insurance company to pay for all of your medical bills.
Do not avoid going to the hospital purely on financial grounds. Again, a clear medical record is essential for a personal injury claim, and filing a claim (or a lawsuit) is often key to recovering money for your medical costs.
What About Future Hospital Bills And Other Medical Expenses?
If you are still in the middle of treatment, or if you suffered a catastrophic injury (e.g., a traumatic brain injury) that requires lifelong care, we can pursue damages for future medical expenses as well as whatever expenses you have already incurred.
You deserve fair compensation for serious bodily injuries. The liable party’s insurance company should pay not only for your medical care but for all accident-related losses, including property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and disability.
Can A Lawyer Help You Get Medical Treatment?
Some personal injury law firms, including ours, can recommend doctors if you are dissatisfied with the care you have received or have not yet found a qualified provider. We may also be able to negotiate with your medical providers to make it easier for you to pay medical bills—for example, by persuading them to wait until you receive a settlement to collect payment.
Should I Wait Until I Am Out Of The Hospital To See A Lawyer?
As previously discussed, your medical treatment should come first. Make sure you are out of danger before you think about finding and hiring an attorney.
That said, you do not have to wait until you are fully recovered to take legal action. If you are still homebound or in the hospital, an attorney from our team can come to you to hear your story and help you plan your next move.
You should also bear in mind that you have a limited time to take legal action after an accident, so do not delay seeking legal advice any longer than necessary.
After You Receive Medical Care, Call Our Lawyers About Your Right To Sue
It is time to take back control of your life. Anidjar & Levine may be able to help you sue even if you did not go to the hospital right away, so call now to learn more. We offer free consultations to all callers and charge no upfront attorneys’ fees. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
