Some car accident victims put off going to the emergency room. They may think they only have minor injuries that will heal within a few days. It may take several days before they go to the hospital.
These are dangerous assumptions. Delaying medical care can have serious consequences, and not only for your health. Below, you can learn more about some of the hidden costs of delaying medical care after a crash.
If you have questions about what to do after a collision, you should consider contacting a Fort Worth car accident lawyer.
Physical Consequences of Delayed Medical Treatment
While delaying medical care can affect your legal claim, the effects on your health can be much worse. These are some of the dangers of waiting to seek medical care after a collision.
Worsening Injuries
One of the most significant risks of postponing medical treatment is that seemingly minor injuries could become severe health problems. For instance, internal bleeding, concussions, or soft-tissue injuries can get much worse if they are left untreated. In some cases, mild discomfort could turn into a life-threatening problem.
The main takeaway is that you should err on the side of caution and go to the hospital right after a collision. Your injuries might not be serious, but you should let trained medical professionals make that determination.
Chronic Pain or Permanent Damage
Delaying treatment can lead to chronic medical issues, such as:
- Persistent back pain
- Joint stiffness
- Nerve damage
Waiting to seek medical care could turn some injuries into permanent disabilities, lowering your quality of life.
Longer Recovery Time
Getting medical care right away can shorten your recovery time by preventing complications. Ignoring injuries can prolong your rehabilitation.
Financial Implications of Delaying Your Medical Treatment
Waiting to get medical care can have significant financial implications, such as:
- Higher medical costs ─ Waiting too long to seek medical attention can complicate your medical treatment. You may need costlier or more invasive treatment. You may have a minor injury that may only need physical therapy. However, delaying care could cause you to need surgery or more extensive physical rehabilitation. This can significantly increase your medical bills.
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity ─ The longer it takes for you to recover, the more time you are likely to miss at work. This reduces your income and might have a negative effect on your long-term earning capacity.
Effects on Your Car Crash Claim
You can be sure that insurance companies and at-fault parties will use delayed medical care against you. This can hurt your chances of recovering compensation for your injuries and damages.
These are some of the effects of delayed medical care on your legal claim:
Weakening Your Case
Insurance companies and defense attorneys may argue that your injuries were not severe enough to warrant immediate attention or that they were unrelated to the accident.
Making it Harder to Prove Causation
Seeking immediate medical care creates a clear timeline linking your injuries to the accident. Waiting for care makes it harder to prove causation. This makes it harder to recover full compensation for your damages.
Higher Risk of Claim Denial
Insurance companies often look for reasons to minimize payouts. A delay in treatment gives them ammunition to claim that their injuries resulted from something other than the accident. They may use this as a reason to deny your claim.
Emotional and Mental Health Effects
Car crashes affect you on a physical, financial,l and emotional level. These are some of the emotional effects of waiting to seek medical care:
Anxiety and Stress
The uncertainty of untreated injuries combined with the added burden of financial and legal complications can create a cycle of anxiety and stress.
Undiagnosed Psychological Trauma
Accidents can cause a variety of psychological issues such as:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety
- Depression
If these conditions are not diagnosed in a timely manner, they can get much worse over time.
Reduced Quality of Life
When injuries go untreated, the physical and emotional toll can prevent you from enjoying life as you once did. You might no longer be able to engage in activities you once enjoyed.
Why Early Medical Attention is Essential After a Crash Injury
These are some of the many benefits of seeking medical care as soon after a crash as possible:
Creating a Comprehensive Medical Record
Seeking immediate medical care provides detailed documentation of your injuries and treatments. This record not only supports your recovery but helps link your injury to the crash.
Building a Stronger Legal Case
Medical documentation from an early stage strengthens your legal position. It eliminates gaps that insurance companies or opposing counsel might exploit.
As there are many risks with delaying medical care, the solution is simple: prioritize your health. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor. Not only will this help protect your physical well-being, but it will also strengthen your financial and legal standing.
You should also consider consulting an experienced lawyer to help you manage the legal issues you may face after a collision.
