Car accident victims have the right to refuse medical treatment at the scene. However, medical treatment is important for many reasons. It is the only way you are able to recover from your injuries.
Not seeing a doctor can also prevent you from obtaining fair and just compensation. Our experienced car crash attorneys in Green Bay discuss the impact of refusing medical treatment at the scene. We also discuss how delaying or stopping treatment could significantly affect your claim for compensation.
If you have been injured in a crash and want to know more about your available legal options, we are here to help. The initial consultation is free of charge and comes with no obligation to use our services.
Zero Upfront Fees. Ph: (920) 260-4528
Why Refusing Medical Treatment at the Scene is a Mistake
Car accident victims often assume that they are not injured or that their injuries are not serious. They may feel like they need to go home and away from the accident scene in hopes they feel better later.
However, this is a huge mistake. Some injuries may remain hidden or not become apparent for days or weeks. Traumatic brain injuries could be life-threatening if left untreated. Even minor injuries can get much worse without immediate medical care. For instance, soft-tissue injuries can take many forms and cause a greater deal of pain, discomfort and limited mobility over time, leading to additional injuries.
Another mistake with refusing treatment at the scene is hurting your ability to link your injuries to the car accident. If you are seen by a paramedic at the scene, it will be a lot more difficult for the insurance company to dispute your injury and say your injury was caused by something other than the accident.
It is also that you are thorough when talking to doctors about your injuries. It can optimize the medical care you receive. Omitting information could make you appear less credible to the insurance company.
If you wait to seek medical treatment, the insurance company also may not think you were seriously injured. While you may still file a claim even after waiting, it could be harder to validate it. It could be reason enough for the insurance company to devalue your damages or deny you compensation.
Not Following Doctor’s Treatment Recommendation
In some cases, a car accident victim may not agree with his or her doctor’s recommended treatment plan. They may be unsure about whether it will work or whether the risks outweigh the benefits.
This can cause car accident victims to get a second opinion about their injuries. You have the right to see another doctor. The second doctor may confirm the first doctor’s opinions, giving you some peace of mind, or provide other treatment options to aid in your recovery after the car accident.
However, simply ignoring a doctor’s orders or not following up on medical care could impact your claim. Refusing treatment without getting a second opinion could be used against you. The insurance company may say that you were never injured or that if you were injured, your injuries have since healed.
If a second doctor recommended another treatment and you follow it, the insurance company will have difficulty arguing about the nature and extent of your injuries. We recommended consulting with a licensed attorney who can review your situation and strengthen your claim for compensation.
Stopping Medical Treatment Altogether
Car accident victims who decide to stop medical treatment can also complicate a claim. Skipping several doctors’ appointments without rescheduling them will create a gap in your medical treatment. The insurance company may say that you must not be badly hurt because you are missing appointments.
Following your doctor’s orders is important in order to get the maximum compensation possible. If you have to miss a medical appointment, be sure to reschedule a new time sooner rather than later. It will show that you are taking your injuries seriously and making the effort to heal and recover.
If you do not think a certain treatment is working, speak with your doctor. If you are worried about how to pay for medical bills while your claim is pending, our firm is here to help you understand your options.
Injured in a Car Accident? We Are Here to Help
Refusing medical treatment at the scene could impact your recovery and prevent you from obtaining fair and just compensation in a car accident claim. This is why you need an advocate on your side.
At Sigman Janssen, we are ready to answer any questions you may have about the claims process. You can learn more about how we may be able to help you during a risk-free legal consultation. There are no upfront fees to get started and no fees while we work a case. We only get paid if you get paid.
Call (920) 260-4528 for Trusted Legal Help.