The impact of a car accident may result in the victim experiencing fear and disorientation. Many car accident victims experience confusion and uncertainty after the crash, as the force of two vehicles colliding is tremendous. These factors may influence the initial injury assessments conducted by individuals involved in car accidents. A car accident victim might disagree with a doctor's prescribed treatment plan in the months or years to come. Car accident victims may question their eligibility to bring a claim even if they chose not to receive medical treatment following the accident.

If you immediately seek medical attention following an accident, your injuries will be documented and linked to the accident. While it may pose challenges in proving your claim and securing compensation, it is still possible to have a valid case if you neglected to immediately seek medical treatment for your injuries sustained in a car accident.

If you have not yet received medical evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for your injuries experienced in the accident, it is important that you promptly seek medical help. It is possible to obtain monetary compensation even if you did not have injuries that required medical treatment. To ensure proper guidance and explore the legal options that may be available to you, it is essential to reach out to an experienced car accident attorney in Pennsylvania right away.

What Are the Consequences of Declining Medical Treatment After a Car Accident in Pennsylvania?

After a car accident, the main concern might be the well-being and safety of the individuals inside the vehicle, such as passengers or family members. Your mind may be consumed with safeguarding the safety of your family and other significant events that are taking place at the scene. Occasionally, individuals who have been involved in accidents may refuse medical treatment at the scene of the accident. They may have the belief that they have not experienced significant bodily harm. They may perceive the accident as minor because they were able to exit their vehicle and it did not suffer substantial damage. They may have concerns regarding the financial implications of calling an ambulance or seeking medical attention at the emergency department. On the other hand, they may have the belief that their injuries will naturally recover without requiring any type of medical care.

It is very important to understand that an accident may trigger a release of adrenaline, which may conceal your symptoms or, at the very least, diminish their severity. There is a possibility that your symptoms may deteriorate in the days and hours following the accident. Postponing medical care can have detrimental effects on an individual's overall health, as the seriousness of injuries can greatly escalate. In addition, it has the potential to prolong your recovery period or lead to the onset of persistent health problems.

Prompt medical attention and treatment should be pursued immediately upon becoming aware of the injury, regardless of whether it has been several hours, days, or weeks since the accident occurred. When consulting a physician, make sure that you provide a detailed account of your symptoms following the accident. Be accurate in your explanation regarding the connection between the accident and your injury. Whiplash, a common soft tissue injury in car accidents, often has a delayed start. Although you are pursuing compensation, it is crucial to prioritize your health, particularly your long-term well-being.

What Is the Problem With Declining Medical Treatment at the Scene of the Accident?

Declining medical treatment after a car accident can result in negative legal consequences. You may be compromising your health as well. After an accident, the act of seeking medical attention serves as an indication of the level of importance you place on your injuries and the repercussions of the accident.

Failure to seek medical care after an accident will prevent your attorney from obtaining documented medical evidence to support your injuries if you decide to bring a case against the negligent party. The collection of medical evidence following a car accident can determine the success or failure of your claim. If you refuse to receive medical treatment at the scene, the insurance company will surely use your refusal to their advantage. They will argue that your lack of refusal for treatment suggests that you were not hurt in the accident, and they may consequently deny your claim entirely.

It is very important to remember that even if you decline medical treatment at the accident scene, you still have the option of filing a claim. If you are experiencing pain, you can still choose to seek medical attention at Urgent Care, the Emergency Room, or by scheduling an appointment with your primary care physician.

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is two years from the date of the accident. However, it is crucial that you substantiate your claims by providing supporting documents, such as medical records. Your compensation may be increased accordingly with the severity of your injuries, regardless of the other driver's degree of fault. Without medical evidence supporting your injuries, it might be difficult to establish fault.

What Course of Action Should I Take if I Have an Opposing View Regarding a Treatment Plan or if I Choose To Decline Medical Care at a Later Stage?

Following the medical treatment plan that has been established after an accident is equally crucial as receiving care itself. The value of your claim may decrease if you fail to attend appointments or refuse treatment. If you stop receiving therapy or refuse a physician's guidance, the insurance company is going to argue that you have fully recovered. The insurance company could argue that you are deliberately aggravating your injuries in order to enhance the value of your claim.

Concerning your personal medical treatment, you have the freedom to make your own decisions. Despite the resistance from insurance companies, certain individuals maintain a belief in the effectiveness of chiropractic care. Insurance companies hold the perspective that massage and stretching serve as adequate methods for managing pain, as opposed to advocates of medicine or injections.

One may doubt the effectiveness of a doctor's prescribed treatment plan and may consider looking into an alternative treatment or seeking a second opinion. An insurance company may face greater challenges in deducting the expenses of an alternative treatment that is recognized as appropriate for your injury by the medical community.

While it is advisable to follow medical advice, especially when pursuing a personal injury claim, you are welcome to explore alternate treatment alternatives or seek clarification on the recommended course of action. Speaking with family members is crucial when they have reservations about the recommendations made by the physician. It is unwise to determine a treatment plan only based on the potential compensation you may receive.

Your personal injury attorney in PA can offer valuable insight into how particular aspects of your treatment may affect the overall worth of your injury claim. Contrary to the insurance company, your attorney is constantly protecting your legal rights and ensuring that you receive the complete amount of compensation that you are entitled to.

What Measures Should I Take To Protect My Pennsylvania Personal Injury Claim?

Although you may have initially refused medical attention, it is crucial that you promptly proceed to the hospital. If you decline medical treatment at the accident site, it is crucial to promptly reach out to an experienced PA personal injury attorney.

By scheduling the appointment, you could perhaps prevent any harm to your claim. Seek advice from your lawyer regarding the possible consequences of refusing a specific medical procedure and how it may impact your legal case. Although the final responsibility for medical treatment decisions remains with you and your family, it is essential to understand the possible consequences for your PA personal injury claim.

The term "personal injury" is an official term for an injury incurred as a result of the carelessness or negligence of a party other than the injured individual. In Pennsylvania, it is necessary to establish a direct connection between the negligence of the other party and your injuries in order to initiate a personal injury claim.

If you and the other party cannot come to an agreement through legal action, a jury may decide the amount of compensation you should receive in your personal injury case. During the trial, the attorney representing you will offer compelling evidence to the jurors. If the jury takes into account your decision not to seek medical assistance following the accident as a contributing component, they may potentially provide you with less or no compensation at all.

Attorney Brandon J. Broderick Is Ready To Help You Day or Night if You Have Questions About Your PA Car Accident Claim

After a car accident, it is important to seek advice from a personal injury lawyer in Pennsylvania regarding your specific situation and the importance of medical records. While it is possible to file a claim even if medical care was initially refused, your lawyer may raise an objection due to the potential complications or diminished value of the case in the absence of medical records.

Brandon J. Broderick has been a legal representative for individuals who have suffered injuries in Pennsylvania for decades. Regardless of whether you have undergone medical treatment or not, we can help you with the process of filing a claim for compensation.

Please contact us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your potential claim and legal options.