Any time you’ve been in a crash, you should see a medical professional to assess your potential injuries. Not only does this protect your health, but it also provides valuable evidence linking anything that happens to you with your accident. This is important when it comes time to seek compensation from the at-fault parties.
A Denver car accident lawyer from Zara Injury Law can help you understand the consequences of not going to the doctor after a car accident, and how it may affect your case’s success.
Seeking medical attention after a car accident is essential
Everything in a car crash happens in a flash, and your brain can’t grasp whether you’re injured. Your body releases adrenaline to help you cope with pain, and you feel disoriented. Even in a minor accident, you could have trauma without realizing it.
After any collision, call 911 to bring law enforcement and medical first responders to the scene. The officers can assess the scene to create a report indicating who is at fault, and the paramedics will examine you for injuries. If needed, they’ll send you to the emergency room for critical injuries.
Even if you think you’re fine, get the exam and then follow up with your own doctor as soon as possible. Many injuries don’t show up until a few hours or days after a crash, and delaying medical care could put your life at risk.
Seeing a doctor after a car accident protects your health and your claim
Seeking medical care for your car accident injuries not only prevents potentially life-threatening conditions, but it also connects your injuries to the crash. Insurance companies will investigate all details about the collision and, if you delay seeing a doctor, they may determine that your injuries weren’t as bad as you claim. While there’s no specific time limit, it’s wise to see a physician within 24-72 hours after the accident.
Otherwise, the insurance adjusters may deny your claim, saying that you must have hurt yourself another way or have a pre-existing condition. This can make it much harder to secure compensation. In Colorado, all drivers must carry liability insurance by law, so you must establish a record of your treatment to strengthen your case when seeking compensation from another driver.
Negotiating a fair settlement requires robust evidence showing the extent of your injuries and associated costs, based on medical records and receipts. Your car accident attorney can manage this process for you as you recover. They can also help you file your claim and be at your side should your case go to trial.
What to do if you didn’t see a doctor after your car accident
Even if you did not follow up with your doctor after the crash, it may not be too late to help your personal injury claim. Your first step should be to contact reputable car accident lawyers who can connect you with medical specialists. These doctors can examine you and provide their expert opinion on your injuries and the cause.
Your personal injury attorney can further investigate your situation and determine whether you have a chance at winning compensation for your injuries. They will collect additional evidence showing what happened, such as videos, photos, police reports, an auto repair estimate, and witness statements. When assembled, they may be able to use expert testimony to show how the crash caused your injuries, making the other driver liable for your medical bills and other damages.
Let us manage your car accident case
At Zara Injury Law, we believe you shouldn’t have to suffer the consequences when a negligent driver causes your involvement in a car accident. We work to obtain settlements that address your monetary losses as well as your pain and suffering. Under Colorado Revised Statutes Section 13-80-102 (2024), the statute of limitations allows just 3 years to file your case in court.
Contact us for a free consultation with a Denver car accident lawyer by calling (866) 823-8288 today.