February 1, 2019 | By Polito & Harrington LLC
The Importance of Seeking Medical Treatment After an Accident It’s only natural to feel overwhelmed after you’ve suffered injuries in a serious car accident. In fact, between dealing with getting your car repaired, figuring out alternative transportation, and other accident-related tasks, you may be tempted to forego seeking medical treatment—especially if you think your injuries will heal on their own or are not that serious. Nonetheless, the best course of action is to undergo a thorough medical evaluation as soon as you can after an accident. Your Health Depends On It
First and foremost, you should see a doctor as soon as you can after a serious car crash to protect your health. Some injuries may not become symptomatic for several days after an accident, and it’s imperative your injuries are accurately diagnosed and that you start treatment as quickly as possible. In some cases, such as those involving internal injuries, failing to see a physician can result in an avoidable medical emergency. Seeking Medical Treatment Will Result in Documentation
Another reason to seek medical treatment after a car accident is that it will result in official medical documentation of your injuries. In addition, it will causally connect your injuries to the accident that caused them. Without documentation, the insurance company will almost certainly try and argue that your injuries are not as serious as you are claiming that they are or that something other than your accident caused them. As a result, seeking medical treatment after a crash is an essential step in protecting your legal right to recover compensation for your injuries. Follow All of Your Doctor’s Recommendations
Not only is it important to seek medical treatment after an accident, but it is also important to follow all of your doctor’s recommendations regarding your treatment plan. This means filling any prescriptions you get, participating in physical therapy, following orders regarding rest, over-the-counter medications, and time off of work or school, and attending all follow-up appointments. No one likes to go to the doctor, and if you’re feeling better, it may be tempting to skip appointments or ignore treatment recommendations. If you fail to follow your treatment plan, however, the insurance company may try and use your noncompliance as a justification to reduce your settlement or even deny your claim completely. For this reason, following your doctor’s recommendations exactly is an important part of protecting your rights after an accident and making sure that you get the compensation you deserve under Connecticut law. People injured in accidents must seek medical treatment as soon as they can, both for their health and to protect their legal rights. At Polito & Harrington, LLC, we are committed to helping injured victims recover the compensation they deserve. To schedule a free consultation with a lawyer, call our office today at (860) 447-3300 or send us an email through our online contact form.