Hiring a car accident lawyer in Port Charlotte, Florida is one of the best decisions you can make after being involved in a collision. Not only will they help ensure that you obtain adequate compensation for your damages, but they will also take care of all the legal details so that you can focus on what’s important – your health and recovery.

After a car accident, your adrenaline levels are higher than normal. This level of tension can make it difficult to think straight and you may not feel pain in your body. If you’ve been in a car accident, it’s always a good idea to get a medical check-up, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions. Visiting a doctor will ensure you receive proper care and will also provide documentation of the treatment process also helps build a strong case when filing a compensation claim.

How Visiting a Doctor After Your Car Accident Can Help Your Claim 

The amount of evidence you have is what will determine the strength of your case for compensation after a car accident. To document the damages sustained during a crash, you’ll need medical reports from an authorized physician.

Without official medical reports detailing the injuries you received from a car accident, the at-fault party’s insurance company or lawyer may argue that you had those injuries before the incident, and therefore are not entitled to compensation.

When you don’t see a doctor after a car accident, insurance companies use this to their advantage by undervaluing your injuries. This makes it more complicated to demonstrate that the crash was directly responsible for what happened.

Your medical records and documentation will include the details of your injuries, diagnosis, and treatment. These records should also include notes from your doctor that detail whether you have reached maximum medical improvement or if you will need future medical care.

An experienced Port Charlotte car accident lawyer will use the evidence from your doctor to help you build a strong case and get the compensation you deserve.

How Much Time Do I Have to See a Doctor After My Car Accident? 

If you’re in a car accident in Florida, state law says you have just 14 days to seek medical attention. If you don’t, you could lose important benefits from your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance policy.

If you fail to see a medical professional, the following are possible outcomes that could weaken your personal injury compensation claim:

  • It becomes more challenging to prove you sustained the injuries during the car accident. The insurance company may claim that the injury existed before the car accident.
  • The injuries sustained during a car accident are deemed less severe. As a result, the insurance company may say you did not see a doctor because you were not injured.
  • The insurance company might make the case that you could have stalled one of the damages if you had visited a doctor. This is called “failure to mitigate damages.”
  • The insurance company may claim that you only went to the hospital to find evidence for your case, not because you were injured.

Essential Questions to Ask the Doctor 

After you’ve been in a car accident, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. By asking the following questions, you will be able to get proper treatment and create solid evidence for your case.

  • What injuries did I sustain?
  • How long will the recovery take?
  • Will the injury stop me from working?
  • Do I need surgery?
  • What medication and treatment will I need to recover?
  • Do I need medical equipment and future medical care?
  • Can I have a copy of the medical records?

Keeping medical records is not only a way of monitoring someone’s progress and treatment costs after they’ve been injured, but it also allows for clarity on just how much pain and suffering was caused.

Common Delayed or Non-Visible Car Accident Injuries 

Car accident victims may not immediately realize the extent of their injuries. Even if an injury seems minor at first, it could still cause problems later on. It’s important to get medical attention as soon as possible after a car accident, even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured.

As mentioned, car accident victims often do not feel pain from their injuries immediately after the collision due to high levels of adrenaline and epinephrine in the body. Some injuries may be undiscovered or invisible, including:

  • Whiplash, which may later cause severe neck pain and limited movement range
  • Concussion
  • Internal bleeding
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Nerve damage

Not all injuries from car accidents are immediately apparent. Internal bleeding, for example, may not present symptoms until hours or even days after the accident occurred. If you were in a car accident and start to experience any pain or other unusual symptoms, it is important that you see a doctor as soon as possible to get a proper diagnosis.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Port Charlotte, Florida?

If you find yourself the victim of a car accident, taking the following steps can help mitigate further damages.

  • Immediately file an accident report with law enforcement
  • See a doctor for evaluation and treatment
  • Speak to an experienced car accident lawyer

Even if you wait to see a doctor after a car accident, you can still file a personal injury claim. An experienced Port Charlotte car accident attorney will build a strong case for you by using their expertise and knowledge. However, it is crucial that you also present other forms of evidence such as the accident report, witness statements, photos and videos, and expert witnesses. Doing so increases your chances of compensation dramatically.

Were You Injured in a Port Charlotte Auto Collision?

If you don’t get checked out by a doctor after a car accident, you could be at risk for serious and potentially life-threatening injuries, like internal bleeding, post-traumatic stress disorder, or nerve damage. So don’t delay—visit a doctor as soon as possible after your crash.

By receiving medical care, you can prevent your injuries from worsening and increase the chances of a favorable outcome. In addition to seeking medical attention, also contact a car accident attorney.

The experienced car accident lawyers at FGB Law Firm will help you with every step of your case – from finding the right doctor to filing for no-fault benefits and collecting damages. We have a proven track record of winning cases and are ready to fight for you. Call (941) 979-9010 to schedule a free consultation today.