In regard to a NJ car accident claim, if you are injured in a car accident and do not go to the hospital, it isn't necessarily a bad thing. You do, however, want to make sure you do seek medical attention in a timely manner. Failing to visit a doctor can have a major impact on your case.
You may not always experience pain or other signs of injury after a car accident, and because of this, people will sometimes opt out of visiting a doctor. Unfortunately, taking this route may result in your compensation being reduced or rejected outright. What can also happen is that you could actually have a serious injury you are not aware of, and because you didn't seek treatment, an insurance company can argue that you are responsible for your injuries instead of their client.
Continue reading for more info about failing to go to a hospital after a NJ car accident.
If you need legal help, call Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law. Our team of NJ car accident lawyers are here to help you.
I Didn't Go To The Doctor Immediately After The NJ Car Accident
Many times after a car accident, people decide not to see a doctor immediately. It could have seemed like the right decision for you at the time.
Following an injury, some people decide not to see a doctor for a variety of reasons, including:
- After the accident, they experienced no discomfort at all because the injury had delayed symptoms.
- Adrenaline is released in times of stress, which might obscure discomfort or pain you should be feeling.
- There was pain, but it seemed insignificant or very minor, leading you to believe that you could manage it at home without seeking medical attention.
These are typical explanations for why people decide not to go to the hospital or see a doctor immediately after an accident. In general, it's recommended that you seek medical attention as soon as you can following the accident. It's still not too late for you to visit the doctor and get medical attention, even if you delayed going and are now experiencing symptoms that worry you. Being late for therapy is better than not receiving any treatment at all.
I Waited To See A Doctor; Will This Affect My Settlement?
You may still be eligible for compensation if you choose not to seek medical attention immediately after an auto accident.
There's no reason you shouldn't be able to get a settlement, even though delaying seeing a doctor may give the insurance company an argument to reduce the value of your claim. It can make the case more difficult for your attorney.
The type of injury you sustained, when you eventually got medical care, if imaging tests revealed any signs of the injury, and other variables can all be used to mitigate the effects of your delayed medical attention.
If you are able to prove your losses, there is a chance that your settlement will be higher, but there is also a chance that it will stay within the average range for your particular injury type.
How Long Do You Have to See a Doctor After a NJ Car Accident?
There is no law that sets the amount of time you have after a car accident to visit a doctor, but the longer you put it off, the more likely it is that your injury will not be taken seriously.
For this reason, lawyers recommend that you seek medical advice and treatment from a doctor as soon as possible following the accident. Even if it requires visiting the ER, it is advised that you visit on the same day.
If I'm Not Hurt in a Car Accident, Should I Still See a Doctor?
Yes, even if you don't feel injured, you should still visit a doctor following a car accident. Many injuries take time to manifest completely, so even though you may feel fine, you may be suffering from significant injuries that require immediate medical attention.
Brandon J. Broderick Can Assist You With Your NJ Car Accident Injury Claim
If you were hurt in a car accident, you are eligible for fair compensation even if you delayed medical care. Let the car accident lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, assist you with your case.
Speak with us today. Allow us to help you turn around your setback.