In the immediate moments following your car accident, you may dial 911 so that law enforcement can respond to the scene. Upon arrival, an officer may approach you and ask if you want them to dispatch an ambulance on your behalf. Your answer to this question should undoubtedly be, “yes,” regardless of what physical condition you assume to be in at the time. Please continue reading to learn why you need to see a doctor after a car accident and how an experienced New York City auto accident attorney at Mark L. Bodner, P.C. can help you through this step.
Why is it important to see a doctor after a car accident?
Your physical health should always be your number one priority. This is reason enough to see a doctor directly following your car accident. This is because you must undergo certain physical examinations, bloodwork, and scans, along with being under the watchful eyes of a keen medical staff, to understand the full extent of your bodily injuries and the best path toward treating them. Of note, certain injuries commonly incurred from an auto accident are not visible to the naked eye, at least in the immediate hours, days, weeks, or months afterward. Namely, this includes certain head (i.e., concussion), neck (i.e., whiplash), and back injuries (i.e., spinal fractures).
The second most important thing after your health is your chances of attaining justice after tragically being made the victim of such a catastrophic crash. That is, your opportunity to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. When submitting your claim, you must calculate the damages you incurred to declare how much financial compensation you seek to recover. Part of these damages include the medical bills you have received so far, along with the medical bills you anticipate receiving given your prescribed treatment plan. This is all to say that you cannot possibly know how much your injuries may cost you until you consult a doctor.
How long should I wait to see a doctor after a car accident?
The statute of limitations for a personal injury claim in New York State is three years from the accident date. However, we strongly advise you to start this legal process sooner rather than later. This means seeing a doctor right after leaving the scene of your car accident, rather than waiting a couple weeks, months, or years. Again, this is for the sake of your physical health and the strength of your case.聽For one, receiving immediate medical attention does not allow the defense to argue that you exaggerated the severity of your injuries. Secondly, it inhibits them from claiming that your injuries and the accident are not correlated.
In conclusion, do not wait too long. Retain the services of a skilled New York City personal injury attorney from Mark L. Bodner, P.C. We look forward to hearing from you and taking on your case.