After An Accident, Do Not Wait To Get Trusted Help

Reasons to Get Proper Medical Attention After a Florida Car Accident

On Behalf of | Jul 3, 2018 | Personal Injury Law |

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You are no doubt shaken and overwhelmed after suffering injuries in a Florida car accident as you try to make sense of what happened and assess the damage. However, it is still critical to seek medical treatment right away, even if you are only experiencing minor pain. Regardless of whether you head to the emergency room, visit an urgent care facility, or follow up with your own doctor, proper medical attention should be a priority. An experienced Florida car accident attorney can tell you more about how delays in treating your injuries can affect your health, your claim, and compensation for your injuries. 

Delays Can Impact Your Health and Recovery Time 

Minor injuries, such as lacerations, abrasions, and bruises, will heal in time with simple at-home treatments. Clean and dress these types of wounds, and make sure to get plenty of rest. However, more serious injuries require the attention of a healthcare provider. Delays may have serious consequences:

  • It may take longer for you to recover from your injuries and get back to your normal routine;
  • You could aggravate the injury, especially when you try to treat it on your own;
  • There is a higher likelihood of reinjury, because you are not under a doctor’s care with recommendations about restricting daily activities and work load; and,
  • You may not receive the best possible care because there are delays in getting necessary referrals to medical specialists.

Insurance Companies Will Attack Your Car Accident Claim 

In most auto collision cases, you will seek compensation from the insurance company that provides coverage to the negligent motorist. Insurers do not make your needs or legal rights a priority, because they are focused on maximizing profits. Your claim is a threat to their bottom line, so they will seek any and all reasons to deny your claim.

When you delay getting proper medical treatment after a car accident, insurance company will logically assume that your injuries could not have been serious. After all, if you were in great pain and suffered serious injuries, it will be said that you would have sought medical care immediately. Protect your right to the highest amount of compensation possible by going to the doctor immediately, or at least 72 hours, after the incident.

Florida’s Statute of Limitations 

All US states have time restrictions on suing the negligent party in personal injury claims. The statute of limitations in Florida is four years from the date the cause of action accrued, which would be the day of the car accident. If you do not file a lawsuit, supported by documents showing the details your medical treatment, you are prohibited from seeking compensation.

Delays Can Weaken the Causation Element of a Car Accident Claim 

Establishing a link between the auto crash and your injuries is essential in a personal injury case. The longer you wait to get medical treatment, the more you weaken the causation element. An insurance company representative may assert that your injuries were caused by an event that occurred after the accident but before you sought care.

Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer in Ocala, FL Today

Once your doctor stabilizes your injuries, your next step should be scheduling an appointment with one of our knowledgeable auto collision attorneys at Piccin & Glynn, Attorneys at Law. You can schedule a free, no-obligations consultation by calling our Ocala, FL office at 352-558-8480 or visiting our website.

Resource:

leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0095/Sections/0095.11.html

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