Many times, victims and other parties involved skip medical treatment if they don’t see any visible injuries or feel physically fine. This decision can impact your health and hurt your car crash claim in Milwaukee. So, if you are involved in a car accident, even if you believe your injuries are minor, it is important to seek medical treatment.
At MacGillis Law Group, our team of car accident lawyers in Milwaukee has seen the consequences of when victims fail to seek medical evaluation after an accident. Many injuries, like soft tissue injuries and concussions, are not visible to the naked eye. These injuries care dangerious and can cause lifelong impact. By seeking medical care, one can understand the extent of their injuries and help build evidence in the medical record for lawful compensation. We have helped numerous Milwaukee victims recover fair compensation for their injuries and damages. With this blog, we aim to help victims protect themselves and know their rights in unfortunate accidents.
Do I Need Medical Care After a Car Crash Even If I Feel Okay?
Yes. If you have been injured in a car crash, it is always advisable to visit a doctor even if you feel fine and don’t see any visible injuries. Many times, injuries are not visible immediately and may appear later. Injuries like internal bleeding and soft tissue injuries may have delayed symptoms, and by then, they may cause lifelong impact.
What are the Common Injuries That Have Delayed Symptoms After a Car Accident?
Car accidents often involve internal injuries that don’t show symptoms immediately. Some of the injuries include:
- Internal Bleeding: Injury to internal organs and blood vessels may cause internal bleeding, which is not felt immediately until one feels dizzy or shows signs of shock.
- Whiplash & Neck Injuries: These injuries happen when the head is violently snapped back and forth. These injuries are one of the most common delayed symptoms, often taking a long time to fully manifest.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: Concussions and traumatic brain injuries are often dismissed as mere stress after accidents.
- Soft-tissue Sprains & Strains: Damage to muscles, ligaments and tendons does not usually show up on initial X-rays and is apparent as the surrounding muscles stiffen up.
Why Seeking Immediate Medical Care is Important for Your Health & Car Crash Claim?
Not seeking immediate medical care after a car crash can seriously hurt your claim to compensation. This is why medical records can make or break your injury case in car accident claims. Delaying medical treatment creates a perception that your injuries are not serious in front of insurance companies, and they might argue:
- You were not hurt
- Your injuries are not severe
- The injuries sustained are not related to the accident
Medical treatment serves as a foundation for your personal injury, as they create a link between your injuries and the accident. Seeking medical treatment creates records that serve as important evidence of your injuries, supporting your Milwaukee car crash claim. Insurance companies look for every loophole to lower payouts, and avoiding immediate medical care after accidents gives them a chance to question your injuries.
Delay in Medical Care and Follow-up Appointments Can Hurt Your Claim
Seeking immediate medical care after an accident and follow-up treatment is crucial to building a strong personal injury claim. Missing appointments or avoiding treatment gives insurance companies a chance to deny or reduce payouts.
- Questions Severity of Injuries: When you avoid medical care or follow-up appointments, the insurance company questions the seriousness of your injuries.
- Stopping Treatment Implies You Have Recovered: Missing a doctor appointment or follow-up treatment implies you have recovered, even if pain or limitation persists.
- Inconsistencies in Medical Records: When victims miss appointments, insurance companies use it to reduce or deny compensation.
- Question Credibility: If the car crash case reaches trial, the jury can question the credibility of the victims if they fail to seek medical care.
How Much Time Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Milwaukee, WI?
In Milwaukee, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a case for your losses. Under the Statute of Limitations, you lose your right to compensation if you miss this deadline. Don’t wait until the last moment, and seek legal help today.
At MacGillis Law Group, our Milwaukee car accident attorneys have years of experience in legal presentation and helping victims seek fair compensation for injured victims. If you have been injured in a car accident due to another party’s negligence, we are here to fight for your right to justice. Call us to discuss your case. Let us protect you.
