Being involved in a car wreck can be inconvenient, cause you to spend time and money repairing your vehicle and seeing medical doctors, and can disrupt your life in a variety of ways.  Making doctor appointments may not seem like a pressing matter if you have only modest injuries from the accident.  However, delaying medical treatment after a crash can cost you in the long run.

Keep in mind that the full extent of your injuries are not always apparent after a crash. Left unchecked, these injuries can worsen, lead to life-altering health complications, and complicate your claim for personal injury.

In this article, we look at four reasons why you should never delay treatment after a wreck:

1. A Prompt Diagnosis Can Help Tie Your Injuries to the Wreck

Delaying a doctor’s visit after a wreck could make it much more difficult for you to connect your condition to the incident. For instance, if it took you weeks to see a healthcare provider, the insurer might argue that you suffered your injuries in a different accident or were in fact preexisting. As such, you should schedule a visit with a medical provider as soon as possible, preferably the same day as your wreck if you know you are going to need to see a doctor. This will help combat any disputes about the cause of your injuries or condition.

2. Immediate Medical Care Can Help Demonstrate the Severity of Your Injuries

If you delayed your diagnosis for days after the incident, the insurer may argue that your injuries cannot be as serious as you are claiming because you did not require urgent care. Alternatively, they may assert that you did not take your recovery seriously because you failed to follow the necessary steps to mitigate damages. In such situations, you might be held partially liable for your damages, resulting in a significant reduction to your financial award.

3. Your Doctor Will Create Medical Records Documenting Your Condition

To succeed in a personal injury claim, you will have to provide proof of the types of injuries you suffered. Fortunately, when you visit the doctor, he or she will usually compile detailed medical records reflecting your condition, noting the types of injuries you suffered, recommended treatments, and—in some cases—the limitations and restrictions imposed by your injuries. Your medical records will usually play a critical role in any personal injury claim.

4. You Can Avoid Exacerbating Your Injuries

Your doctor will usually advise you of activities you should avoid, if any, while you are recovering from your injuries. For instance, he or she may recommend time off work to let your injuries heal or abstain from physical activity so that your condition does not get worse. Having a treatment plan—and following it closely—will help expedite your recovery and minimize the chances of further health complications.

Discuss Your Case with a Miami Car Accident Attorney

Were you hurt in a car accident? Turn to the legal team at Viñas & DeLuca, PLLC, for assistance. Not only can we help connect you with some of the best medical providers in the area, but we can also begin investigating the wreck to help you build a case to recover compensation for the damages you have suffered. Call us today at (305) 372-3650 or complete our contact page HERE to request a free case evaluation with a Florida car accident attorney.