Legal Importance of Seeking Medical Attention After an Auto Accident

According to data from the CDC, in 2020, over 100 people died in motor vehicle crashes across the United States every day. That same year, over 2.1 million ER visits related to motor vehicle accidents occurred.

For many reasons, seeking medical attention after an injury from an auto accident is crucial. Visiting a doctor after an auto accident is vital for your health and well-being and essential to support a personal injury claim should you pursue legal action. Sometimes, collecting damages through a lawsuit is the only way to cover healthcare expenses following an accident.

At Bostwick & Peterson, we have helped automobile accident victims receive millions in compensation. What ensures that our clients receive maximum compensation for their personal injury claim following an automobile accident involves seeking medical attention as soon as possible. There are many contributing factors to consider when understanding the legal importance of seeking medical attention after a car accident.

Ruling Out Unseen Injuries

Many car accident injuries are not immediately noticeable but, if left untreated, can cause serious issues or even death. Unseen injuries can include:

Whiplash
Brain injuries
Internal bleeding
Soft tissue injuries
Herniated disks
Spinal cord injuries

Identifying these serious injuries and their current and future impact on your life can not only help a lawyer build your claim and demonstrate the gravity of the accident but also ensure you receive any necessary medical treatment. Delaying care for unseen injuries can have a devastating impact on your life and may not be considered a part of your claim if not documented properly.

Medical References and Reports Used As Court Evidence

Accident records are crucial in establishing the connection between an incident and resulting injuries. They serve as vital evidence for insurance claims and legal actions. Thorough documentation, including medical reports and accident summaries, assists authorities in determining fault and helps your legal counsel determine the best course of action for your claim.

Individuals involved in accidents must diligently preserve and organize these records, ensuring a well-documented account. Proactively obtaining your medical records aids the claims process and enhances the chances of success in legal proceedings.

At Bostwick & Peterson, our experienced team of San Francisco, California-based auto accident attorneys can help you obtain medical records from doctors, treatment facilities, hospitals, and more. If you are not sure where to begin with this process, trust our team to handle all of your needs.

Reimbursement For Your Losses

The court can award monetary damages based on an injury's past, current, and future medical expenses. These include medical bills, hospital stays, other healthcare expenses, lost wages or loss of future earning capacity, and pain and suffering.

It is important to note that filing a claim as soon as possible is imperative to receiving monetary reimbursement. While the California statute of limitations for instances of personal injury provides individuals two years to file a claim, insurance policies require claims to be filed at most 72 hours after an accident. Failure to follow insurance protocols may impact your ability to file an insurance claim and make filing a personal injury lawsuit more difficult.

Work With Auto Accident Lawyers Who Get Results

The personal injury lawyers at Bostwick & Peterson have decades of experience handling auto accident cases and have achieved record-breaking results for clients across California. Using your medical records from your car accident, we can create a strong case to ensure you receive justice.