Miami Accident Lawyer Blog
Unless you are unconscious or transported to the emergency room by first responders, you will have an important decision to make regarding your health care after a Miami car accident: When should you go to the doctor? You might be surprised to learn that may vehicle crash victims put off getting medical treatment, which can have adverse consequences for their well-being and their rights. So, how long do you have to seek medical care if you were injured in an accident?
As a Miami car accident attorney will tell you, the best answer is to get treatment right away – or at most within 72 hours after you were hurt. However, it is just as important to understand the reasons behind this recommendation.
Your Health is Your First Priority: Auto collisions involve a violent blow to your body, possibly causing both visible and not-so-obvious injuries. You need proper evaluation by a health care provider to obtain an accurate diagnosis, receive essential treatment, and get on the road to recovery. Some medical conditions will worsen without medical treatment, potentially leading to permanent, life-altering consequences.
A second reason to seek medical care right away pertains to your legal rights, since you will usually be filing a claim with an insurance company to obtain compensation for your losses. If you do not go to the doctor as soon as possible after a crash, an insurance company may deny your claim. A delay tells the insurer that your injuries are not serious and you do not deserve a payout.
Options for Seeking Medical Care
Now that you know why treatment is essential, you may need some guidance on where to go. South Florida health care provider MD Now provides a helpful description regarding your options.
- You should go to the ER for life-threatening injuries, if you lost consciousness, have severe bleeding, or suffered significant trauma to the head or internal organs.
- An urgent care clinic is appropriate for injuries that require same-day care, but are not significant enough to warrant a trip to the ER. These facilities can treat minor cuts, broken bones, abrasions, and related bodily harm.
- If you can get an appointment with your own doctor immediately – or within 72 hours after the crash – this may be another option. The upside is that your primary care physician will have access to your medical records and history, which can be useful when determining a course of treatment.
Our Miami Car Accidents Lawyers are Ready to Fight for You
Though it is up to you to obtain proper medical care immediately after getting hurt in auto crash, you can trust our team at Gerson & Schwartz, PA to assist with other aspects of a vehicle accident claim. We will get started right away by filing an injury claim with the responsible driver’s insurance company, but we are prepared to take the case to court as necessary to protect your rights. For more information on how we can help, please contact our offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach, FL to set up a free consultation.