An Accident Attorney explains

An Accident Attorney explains how soon after an accident you should see a doctor. Also explained is why knowing this information is so important for your case.

When it comes to accidents, most of us just want to put them behind us, and move on. If we think we’re okay, medically speaking, we prefer to assume the best and get on with things. In an accident case that can be a mistake and this is why.

You Might Have a Claim

An accident attorney sees all sorts of injuries after accidents but all of the injuries are not always obvious. Sometimes people walk away from accidents looking fine. Much later they realize that they’ve sustained internal injuries. In some cases they might be physically fine but unknowingly suffer from a psychological after effects such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

All of these things might entitle you to compensation – for both the actual costs of medical treatment and other compensation for your pain and suffering.

So When Should You See a Doctor?

Ideally, if you have been in an accident – ANY accident – you should see a doctor as soon as possible after the event occurs.

The doctor will be able to assess any immediate trauma, such as obvious injuries, but will also be able to ascertain whether there may be any hidden injuries involved. They can also refer you to other specialists – for instance therapists – who can assess other long term effects you may experience.

Why Is It Important?

When it comes to early assessment of actual injuries, long term residual medical problems and other effects of accidents, it’s important to see a doctor right away because it can affect the amount of damages you can claim. Very often, the damages awarded in personal injury cases cover not only the medical costs you have already paid, but also future medical costs.

That means, for instance, that if you have a physical or psychological condition that occurs as a result of your accident, and you will need life long treatment for it, you can be awarded an amount to cover those costs. This needs to be determined by a doctor and documented by a doctor as soon as possible after an accident.

An Example

Let’s look at an example of personal injury costs.

A woman is in a car accident that was not her fault. Her legs are fractured and her foot is crushed in the accident and she is taken to a hospital. During her stay, both of her broken legs are reset, and her foot is reconstructed.

The obvious costs or damages in this case would be the hospital stay, the medical bills associated with it and her pain and suffering.

However, when the woman leaves the hospital, she consults a personal injury attorney, who refers her to another doctor for a second opinion. During the examination, the doctor discovers that one of her legs is now half an inch shorter than the other.

Suddenly, the costs involved in living with the results of the accident spiral. The woman will face a lifetime of built up shoes, limping, and in all likelihood, pain from her leg. All of this was caused by the initial accident.

In short, what was a simple case has become a much larger one, where much more money is at stake. Through the work of a knowledgeable attorney and doctor the woman should get full financial compensation for all of her injuries.

Lawyer or Doctor First?

If you have been in an accident, the decision whether to visit a doctor or a lawyer first is may be made for you at the accident scene.

If you are seriously injured, chances are you will receive immediate medical attention without question. As soon as possible after that, however, you should visit an attorney who specializes in personal injury, for instance an accident attorney.

The attorney will assess your case, and refer you to a doctor or doctors. These doctors are specially trained to diagnosis and treat all aspects of injuries received in accidents.

Always bear in mind, however, that an attorney, such as our accident attorneys are not going to cost you out of pocket money. Most accident and personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis. This means that they take a percentage of your settlement award. You do not have to pay hourly or other attorney fees. Everything is paid out of your settlement at the end of your case.

An Attorney Will Prevent the Violations of Time Limits you Don’t Know About

As with every area of the law, there is a statute of limitations on personal injury cases that limits the time in which you can put in a claim. These time limits are different for different types of accident injury cases. It is best to check with an accident attorney to find out which time limits apply to your particular type of personal injury case.

Even if you seem fine after an accident, or are trying to convince yourself you are, you may still have medical problems from the accident at a later date. In spite of this, you have to make any claims before time legal time limits expire or you might lose out on compensation that is due to you.

When you’re in an accident, you deserve compensation for all of the pain and trauma you suffer, and an accident attorney can help you get it.

If you have a case you would like to discuss, please feel free to call our office. There is no charge to talk about your case or to answer your questions about your case.