Getting involved in an accident can be a stressful and painful experience. In an auto accident, you may be concerned about the damage to your vehicle and the cost of repair, while other types of accidents like a slip and fall in a supermarket might trigger feelings of embarrassment. For many people, the immediate reaction may be to say they are fine, and not to worry that they may have been hurt. If you didn’t sustain any cuts or bruises, you may think that you were not injured. This could be a very big mistake, as it is important to always seek immediate medical attention after an accident. Here are some of the most important reasons why you should get medical help. If you are injured, an experienced New Jersey personal injury attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Your Injuries
When you have been involved in an accident, you may not be aware of the full extent of your physical injuries. In the immediate aftermath, you may feel perfectly fine, or just think you have a few bumps and bruises. However, if you have suffered such things as an internal injury or are experiencing internal bleeding, only a medical examination will be able to reveal the extent of your injuries. In many cases, you may have experienced an adrenaline rush or could be in shock, masking any symptoms of injuries. Getting immediate medical care will allow you to get a proper diagnosis and begin treatment for any physical ailments.
Insurance and Legal Considerations
If you have insurance that covers any medical injuries and conditions that result from accidents, getting immediate medical care will show that the injuries were caused by the accident. If you wait until later, there is a chance that the insurance claims adjuster might claim that your medical condition was the result of a supervening situation. This means that your claim may be denied since it cannot be clear if your injuries resulted from the reported accident or something else that occurred between the time of the original accident and when you finally went to see your doctor or go to the emergency room.
The same can happen if your accident was caused by the negligence or recklessness of another person, like in an auto collision. Part of the reason to get immediate medical care is to document any injuries you sustained that were caused by this other person. Any delay could provide a defense to the personal liability of the person who was responsible for your injuries.
Medical Records
Part of collecting on an insurance claim and personal injury lawsuit involves proving the extent of your injuries. The key piece of evidence for your personal injuries is the medical record from the physician who treated you and the hospital where the treatment occurred. In addition, if you are seeking compensation for your medical bills, you will need to provide the records to show that the treatment was related to the injuries you sustained in the accident.
The medical records can also be used to show causation. Whether you are filing an insurance claim or bringing a personal injury lawsuit, you will need to prove that the harm you suffered was caused by the accident. The information contained in your medical records will help bolster your claim.
New Jersey Statute of Limitations
If you have suffered any injuries as a result of an accident, you will have two years to sue the responsible party under the New Jersey Statute of Limitations. In most cases this right to bring a personal injury claim begins to run from the time of the accident. As a result, you do not want to delay before seeking medical attention. If you do not seek immediate medical attention and only learn of the injury later, in most cases the time you waited will count against the two year Statute of Limitations period. This could block you from getting compensated for your injuries.
If You Are Injured in an Accident, Call Our Firm Today
Personal injuries sustained in accidents can cause you to suffer financially and personally, including lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you were injured as a result of the negligence or recklessness of another person, the experienced personal injury attorneys at the Cassidy Law Firm, LLC, can provide you with the representation you need to get compensated for your injuries.