The hospital is an intimidating place to many. From long wait times to stress about insurance and payments to the guaranteed follow up with a different doctor, people often just decide to plug through the pain without getting the proper medical attention they need and deserve after an accident.
This is not the right way to handle a car accident. Our law firm’s top advice is: if you’ve been injured in a car accident, the answer is always, always go to the hospital, no matter what. Even in small accidents, we recommend seeing a doctor as soon as possible because you may have been injured without even realizing it. Often, an injury will arise weeks, even months, after an accident.
Let’s take a look at a common accident on our roads that are of no fault of your own: when you get rear ended. If you were rear-ended, there is a chance you may have injured your neck or back as a result of the abrupt jerking motion your head and body go through when being hit from behind. Head, neck and spine injuries can be dangerous and may sneak by you, so it is critical to see a doctor as soon as possible to be safe — even if you don’t notice anything right away.
Delaying a trip to the hospital or doctor doesn’t just further the damage done to your body; it can also lead to decreased compensation from the insurance company. If you wait too long, insurance companies may refuse to pay your claim, citing another source as the cause of your injury.
Because of the legal consequences, it is imperative that as a victim of a car accident, you see a physician within a reasonable period of time, to not give the insurance company, or judge or jury, any reason to doubt your injury. The more time that passes between the accident and the doctor visit, the more likely it is that the insurance company will claim that you are not really injured, even if it is one of those injuries that presents itself at a later date.
It is also important to note that hospitals are legally bound to see patients, especially in the case of an accident, regardless of health insurance or finances. Don’t let this be a deterrent.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident, call our office today. Our attorneys have over a combined century of experience dealing with car accident cases in and around New York City and have achieved over $100 million in settlements and verdicts to prove our success record. We have spent countless hours analyzing car accidents and we do everything from checking red light camera footage to speaking with expert witnesses to make sure justice is served. Call our office today to figure out your next steps in your car accident. We are here to help you.
The Law Office of Richard M. Kenny has over a combined century of experience in dealing with personal injury lawsuits and has achieved over nine figures in verdicts and settlements, proving their success rate in the courtroom. Contact the Law Office of Richard M. Kenny today to figure out your next steps and speak with an attorney who cares.
