Failing to seek medical attention after an accident could cause medical complications.
If another person caused your accident, it is important to visit a doctor even if you do not feel hurt. Failing to seek medical attention could lead to legal complications down the road and end up negatively impacting your injury claim.
Our personal injury lawyers can meet with you for a free initial consultation. Call (416) 364-2000
Impact on a Claim
An accident can cause a release of adrenaline for those involved and some victims may enter a state of shock, which can mask pain and injuries.
Even minor aches and pain may indicate more serious injuries, and some accident victims might not feel any pain at all until hours or days later. Some accident victims might not realize their dizziness, confusion, and other symptoms are related to their accident. These could be signs of a serious injury.
For example, whiplash injuries may have delayed symptoms. Concussions may also go unnoticed and might have long-term effects. Consider a hypothetical situation where another driver rear ends an individual. They believe that there is no damage other than damage to the car. An individual does not go to the doctor and instead, accepts a quick settlement offer from the insurance company. Weeks or months later, they experience headaches, dizziness, and other symptoms. If an individual already settled their case, they may not be able to recover further compensation.
Even if an individual’s pain is minor or nonexistent, it is important to see a doctor right away. A doctor should perform an examination and may order imaging and other tests to identify injuries that might not be readily apparent.
When to Seek Medical Attention
An individual should visit a doctor as soon as possible after an accident. Ideally, they should visit a doctor the same day as the accident or the following day. If they wait too long to see a doctor, the insurance company may take the position that the individual’s injuries are unrelated to the accident or that the injuries are not as serious as the individual claims.
Or, the insurer may claim an individual made their injuries worse by waiting too long to seek medical attention. In any case, the insurance company may use these arguments to reduce or deny the claim.
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Contacting a Lawyer
After any accident, seek medical attention to identify any underlying injuries. You should also keep detailed records of your injury, copies of your medical paperwork, and follow your doctor’s advice.
Call or text (416) 364-2000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
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