When you’ve just been in a car accident, you are probably so shocked that you do not know what to do next. As adrenaline pumps through your body, you are unaware of pain and the extent of your injuries. However, a Hollywood car accident lawyer knows that the best decision is going to the nearest hospital as soon as possible.
Medical treatment is essential after a car accident for several reasons:
Many Injuries Have a Delayed Onset
Some internal injuries like whiplash, soft tissue damage and head injuries do not show symptoms for hours, or even days. Yet, as you continue with your everyday life, unaware of them, they get worse by the minute.
In many cases, people who walked into an ER saying that they were feeling OK were rushed straight into surgery once the diagnostic test results came back. Their decision to see a doctor, although they thought they were fine, probably saved their life.
Adrenaline Blocks Pain Signals
As we’ve already mentioned, your body starts secreting adrenaline in any dangerous situation, such as a car crash. This is necessary to prepare you for the fight or flight response and one of its effects is numbing pain.
Just because you are not in pain does not mean that you are not injured. And some injuries need immediate medical care, such as internal bleeding or a spinal cord injury. So, when you call 9-1-1 to report the accident, consider asking for an ambulance, as well.
Even if you may be able to reach a hospital or ER on your own, your car may be too damaged to be driven safely.
You Will Need to Prove the Cause of Your Injuries for Your Legal Claim
Once you are feeling better, you will certainly want to consult with a Hollywood car accident lawyer to file a claim against the negligent driver who hit you. In order to file a claim you must meet the following conditions:
- You must prove that the other party was more than 50% at fault for the accident
- You must prove that the accident caused your injuries
- You must prove that the accident resulted in economic damages
While fault can be proven with the police report, photos and videos and eyewitness statements, your injuries can only be justified by medical records:
- The initial medical report issued by the doctor who examined you after the crash
- Diagnostic tests
- Consultation notes
- Hospital release papers
In order to determine correlation between the accident and your injuries, the date and time on the initial medical report should be close to the moment of the accident, but not more than a few hours.
Your Doctor’s Observations Can Substantiate Pain and Suffering Claims
Non-economic damages for pain and suffering represent a significant part of a Hollywood car accident settlement. However, they are also extremely contested by insurance companies. Their number one argument is: you are exaggerating your injuries and the pain you are experiencing.
Pain is a subjective matter – what is a slight discomfort for one person can be unbearable for another. However, doctors are trained to estimate the level of pain caused by specific injuries and to observe their patients during check-ups.
The observations related to pain, reduced mobility and discomfort will be useful to your lawyer to justify your pain and suffering damages.
Schedule a Free Case Review with a Hollywood Car Accident Lawyer!
Seeking medical care after a car accident can save your life and strengthen your legal claim. As long as you were not at fault for the crash, an experienced Hollywood car accident lawyer at the Klotzman Law Firm will help you recover economic and non-economic damages, including medical treatment costs.
Call us today at 954-787-1583 and schedule your initial free case review!
