Q: DO I HAVE THE RIGHT TO MEDICAL TREATMENT AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT?

A: Yes. You have every right to be checked out by ambulance or to go to an emergency room. If you don’t seek immediate treatment, then an insurance company may question later if your injuries are related to the car accident. It is also always good to see your own family doctor after the collision to be checked out and document any problems. Your family doctor is most familiar with your medical history, and they can make necessary referrals, such as physical therapy, x-rays, or an appropriate specialist. An officer performing the investigation may ask you if you are injured. Tell the truth but take the time to be descriptive. Later, that accident report may be used against you to say that you failed to report any injuries at the scene.

Q: WHEN SHOULD I SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT?

A: After an auto accident injury, it is very important that you immediately secure any needed medical treatment for your injuries to get better and to document your injuries. You have every right to be checked out by ambulance or to go to an emergency room. It is also always good to see your own family doctor after the collision to be checked out and document any problems. Your family doctor is most familiar with your medical history, and they can make necessary referrals, such as physical therapy, x-rays, or an appropriate specialist. If you don’t seek immediate treatment and you wait a few days or a few weeks to see if things get better on their own, then an insurance company may question later if your injuries are related to the car accident.

Q: HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO SEEK MEDICAL CARE AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE?

A: It’s important to always get checked out ASAP once you realize you may have been injured. Whether it’s 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, or 1 year later, you have a right to seek treatment for your accident related injuries. However, the longer it takes for you to seek medical care, the more likely the insurance adjuster is to deny your claim and say it was not caused by the accident. Gaps in treatment also cause adjusters to want to cut off related medical bills from the collision.

When adjusters do this, your attorney has to work much harder to persuade them with evidence and medical records, or file suit and try to convince them at mediation or trial to award damages related to the collision. It is always best to seek medical attention as soon as possible for any potential injuries the accident may have caused you in order to have the best outcome for your case. Since there is a statute of limitations in Ohio, you do have to either settle OR file suit within 2 years of the collision. So, that 2 year mark is a make it or break it date. If the case involves an incompetent or minor, there are circumstances where the statute may be extended, but those are exceptions and should be discussed with an attorney.

Q: WHAT HAPPENS IF I DO NOT SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL TREATMENT AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT BUT LATER FEEL I NEED TREATMENT?

A: If you need medical treatment, then get it as soon as possible. People are often told it will take weeks to feel better after injury. This is true, but you are not required to just sit around and hope you feel better. Get things checked out. Get the treatment you need. Gaps in treatment can impact your recovery later. So that is why it is so very important to follow through with the medical treatment you need. It is your burden to convince an adjuster pre-suit or convince a jury in a trial. Gaps in treatment make people question your credibility and what injuries are related to the injury.