People injured in car crashes sometimes know right away that they need help. They have a broken bone or another painful traumatic injury. They recognize that they require immediate medical attention. They may even ask for emergency medical support when they reach out to inform local authorities about the wreck.
Other times, people involved in collisions may perform a cursory physical check and assume they have not sustained any significant injuries. Those with internal or stable traumatic injuries might initially think they have escaped significant medical consequences when in reality they may need attention from healthcare professionals.
As their condition worsens, they may eventually realize they need to see a doctor. Their condition may have become more serious because of the delay in treatment. A delay in diagnosis and treatment can also make it more difficult for an injured person to obtain compensation.
Delays raise questions about injury origins
Those who see a doctor right after a car crash benefit from prompt diagnosis. The care that they receive might prevent their conditions from worsening. Additionally, formal medical records can establish a clear connection between the collision and the patient’s diagnosis.
Patients with brain injuries, internal bleeding in the abdomen, stable fractures and other conditions with delayed symptom onset may have a harder time obtaining compensation after a crash than those who receive medical care immediately. When there is a gap of multiple days between the crash and a doctor’s diagnosis, the delay can raise questions about the real origins of the injury.
In some cases, insurance companies may try to deny people the benefits or reduce the compensation they offer because of the delay in diagnosis. Injured people often need help holding the driver at fault responsible for crashes. They may need assistance gathering documentation and support while negotiating with insurance providers. In some cases, their best option may be to take the matter to court by pursuing a personal injury lawsuit.
Those who understand the risks of delayed treatment and diagnosis might make it a priority to see a doctor after a crash. Having the right support can make it easier to obtain appropriate compensation for car crash injuries.