If you were in a motorcycle accident in Southern California, you might think you only suffered minor injuries or do not believe you were hurt. However, it would be a big mistake not to see a doctor as soon as possible to evaluate your condition.
A physician should see you within 72 hours of your collision. Here is how this will help your health and your San Diego motorcycle accident lawyer if you later decide you need to file a claim for compensation for your injuries.
Common Injuries You May Not Realize You Suffered Right Away
Some injuries caused by a motorcycle wreck will not be immediately apparent. Adrenaline could mask the symptoms, or you might not experience severe symptoms until days after your motorcycle accident.
Common injuries that can take longer to manifest include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Whiplash
- Internal bleeding
- Concussion
- Nerve damage
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Psychological trauma
Three Reasons to Obtain Prompt Medical Care
You want to avoid the mistake some motorcycle riders make by delaying seeking medical treatment after a crash. Here are three reasons why it is best to have a doctor examine you within 72 hours of your accident.
#1: Prompt Medical Care Protects Your Health
One reason to get immediate medical treatment is that you protect your health. A TBI, internal bleeding, and spinal cord injuries can quickly turn life-threatening if not treated right away. In addition, you will heal faster if you begin your treatment right away than if you wait until your condition worsens.
#2: You Strengthen Your Case
When you file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company, you must prove the driver’s negligence, the seriousness of your injuries, and the amount of compensation you should receive. You want to do everything you can to have the evidence you need to build a winning case so that you receive the maximum recovery in your settlement. If a doctor examines you within 72 hours of your accident, it will help you prove the causal connection between the crash and your injuries and how severe your injuries are.
#3: You Avoid Disputes About Your Injuries With the Insurance Company
Insurance companies often raise disputes to deny motorcycle accident victims’ claims or pay them lower damages in their settlements. While getting timely medical care will not resolve all disputes with the insurance adjuster, it will help to cut off their arguments that another incident caused your injuries or that your injuries are not as severe as you claim.
How Following Up on Your Medical Care Helps Your Claim
It is also essential to follow up on your medical treatments. You should go to all your doctor and physical therapy appointments and follow all your physician’s advice on treating your injuries. For your health and to strengthen your claim, do your prescribed exercises at home and refrain from activities that could worsen your injuries or slow your recovery.
When you file your claim, the insurance company will investigate the cause of the wreck and your injuries. They will request your medical records and will want to review all of them until they settle your claim. If they find gaps in your medical treatment, missed appointments, or evidence that you are not following your doctor’s advice, they will use this information against you in settlement negotiations or court. You could be forced to accept less compensation if your lack of medical treatment significantly weakens your case.
