Medical operating room.

Why Should You Always Seek Medical Treatment After an Accident?

By Steven Miller
Senior Partner

As attorneys, we know that accidents can happen at any time and can leave victims with serious injuries. Whether it’s a car accident, slip and fall, or any other type of incident, seeking medical treatment should always be a top priority for those involved. Here are some reasons why it’s crucial to seek medical treatment after an accident.

Seek Medical Treatment

It is essential to seek medical treatment after an accident because some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Even if you feel fine, it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional because some injuries, such as concussions, may not present symptoms immediately. By seeking medical attention immediately after an accident, you can ensure that any injuries are identified and treated promptly, which can lead to a better prognosis and a faster recovery.

In addition to promoting physical recovery, seeking medical treatment can also be crucial to the success of any potential personal injury claim. If you delay seeking medical attention, insurance companies or defense attorneys may argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident or that they are not as severe as you claim. Seeking prompt medical attention and following your doctor’s treatment plan can help establish a clear link between your injuries and the accident and strengthen your claim for compensation. Therefore, it is always advisable to seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident, even if you feel fine, to protect your health and your legal rights.

Document Your Injuries

In a personal injury case, documentation is key. Seeking medical treatment after an accident creates a paper trail that can be used as evidence in your case. By documenting your injuries, you can also ensure that you receive the appropriate medical treatment and support during your recovery.

Documentation can include medical records, photographs of your injuries, and written notes about your symptoms and limitations. Medical records can provide detailed information about your diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Photographs can help show the visible signs of your injuries, such as bruises, cuts, or swelling. Written notes can help capture the details of your symptoms, such as pain, discomfort, or difficulty performing certain tasks.

Proper documentation can also help protect your legal rights by establishing a clear record of your injuries and their impact on your life. It can be challenging to remember all the details of your injuries and their progression over time, so documenting them as soon as possible after the accident is crucial. 

Failure to Seek Medical Treatment Can Be Used Against You

If you fail to seek medical treatment after an accident, the opposing party or insurance company may argue that you weren’t really injured or that your injuries are not as severe as you claim. They may also argue that you are exaggerating your injuries or that your injuries are not related to the accident. This can result in a lower settlement offer or a denial of your claim.

It is essential to seek medical treatment promptly and follow your doctor’s advice to ensure that your injuries are diagnosed and treated appropriately. This can help establish a clear link between your injuries and the accident, which can strengthen your case and improve your chances of obtaining fair compensation for your damages.

Prevent Long-Term Complications

Seeking medical treatment early on can prevent long-term complications from developing. Some injuries, such as muscular or disk injuries and traumatic brain injuries, can cause symptoms that worsen over time. Getting prompt medical attention can help prevent these symptoms from worsening and improve your chances of full recovery.

In conclusion, seeking medical treatment after an accident is crucial for your health and for your personal injury case. If you have been involved in an accident, make sure to get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible. As an attorney, it’s essential to advise your clients to seek medical treatment and to help them gather the necessary documentation to support their case. By doing so, you can help ensure that your clients receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries.

As a personal injury law firm, we must advise our clients on the importance of seeking medical treatment after an accident. If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident, seeking medical attention should always be a top priority. Miller, Montiel & Strano, P.C. understands the importance of prompt medical treatment for our client’s health and their personal injury cases. Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys is committed to helping our clients get the compensation they deserve for their injuries. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and see how we can help you with your personal injury case.

Note: This page was written with the assistance of artificial intelligence software, but was reviewed for accuracy and approved by attorney Steven Miller, Esq.

About the Author
Steven Miller, Esq. is the founding member and Senior Partner in Miller, Montiel & Strano, P.C. Mr. Miller’s extensive career as a trial attorney spans five decades. He tries cases for the catastrophically injured victims of construction site accidents, motor vehicle and premises accidents caused by the negligence of others. Mr. Miller is a detail oriented, tenacious attorney committed to achieving the maximum results for his clients; he has obtained numerous seven figure verdicts and settlements.