Our Oregon car accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Jon Friedman know that when a vehicle collision occurs, confusion and disbelief are typically the immediate responses.
Next, the adrenaline most people experience keeps them from understanding the severity of the crash, their injuries, or what to do next. Sometimes, this means calling a close friend or relative and getting a ride home to sort through the details.
Unfortunately, when injury victims do not make medical care a priority, it can affect their physical and emotional well-being. Moreover, it can also impact their ability to pursue a successful personal injury claim later.
Seeking prompt medical attention after a vehicle accident is crucial for several reasons.
An Immediate Medical Assessment Determines the Extent of Your Injuries
Seeking medical attention promptly allows for an immediate assessment of your injuries, which can help determine the extent of the damage and the necessary treatment. Delaying medical treatment may make it more challenging to establish a clear connection between the accident and your injuries.
Medical Care Helps Prevent Complications
Some injuries may not manifest symptoms immediately after an accident. Delaying medical care can lead to complications or exacerbate existing injuries. In some cases, insurance companies may argue that your injuries are unrelated to the accident if there is a significant delay in seeking treatment.
Medical Records Can Be Used as Evidence
Timely medical records and reports can be valuable evidence in your personal injury claim. These documents can link your injuries to the accident and provide insight into the severity of your condition.
The Insurance Company May Dispute Your Claim
Insurance companies may be skeptical of injuries that are not promptly reported and documented. Delay in medical treatment can give them a basis to dispute your claim. This can complicate your ability to recover damages.
What Can I Do If I Waited to Pursue Medical Treatment After an Oregon Car Accident?
If you’ve waited to seek medical treatment after a car accident, it is crucial to take the following steps:
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately
If you have not seen a doctor yet, do so as soon as possible, even if some time has passed since the accident. Be sure to describe your accident-related symptoms and injuries to the healthcare provider.
Consult Our Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys in Oregon to Discuss Your Options
When car accident victims in Oregon are not proactive and do not go to the hospital or urgent care immediately after a crash, it can negatively affect their case against a negligent driver. If you delay seeing a doctor, it might appear that your injuries are insignificant, have not impacted your life, and do not require compensation.
It is vital to take control of the narrative and assert the severity of your injuries by getting prompt medical attention.
If you plan to pursue a personal injury claim, consult our experienced Oregon personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Jon Friedman at (503)-242-1440 or online today to schedule a free consultation and get the help you need to make informed decisions about the direction of your case. We can help you navigate the legal process, including dealing with the implications of a delayed medical evaluation.
