You might know it’s important to get medical treatment immediately after an accident, but it’s just as important to continue seeing a doctor in the weeks and months afterwards. This will prove to the insurance company that your injuries are severe and continue to impact your life.
If you have questions about your personal injury claim, our personal injury attorneys can help. Call us today at (702) 878-2889 or use our online contact form.
When Should I Go To the Doctor After an Accident?
You should go to an emergency doctor right away after an accident; however, they will recommend that you follow up with your primary care physician (PCP) within a few days. Some of your injuries may not even show up for a few days, such as bruises. It’s important to follow up with your PCP so they can make ongoing treatment recommendations.
Your PCP will likely refer you to specialists, physical therapists, or other doctors. It’s important to schedule with them as soon as possible and see those other doctors quickly so they can properly assess your injuries. The medical records from your first examinations will be important when proving your injuries to the insurance company.
You should also continue to see doctors regularly after an accident. As your injuries change, you will want to see doctors to record how they continue to impact your life. You may need additional treatment for months or even years after an accident.
What Is a Gap in Treatment?
A gap in medical treatment occurs when you fail to follow up with doctors according to a recommended schedule. If your doctor tells you to come back in two weeks and you fail to make an appointment and show up, then your gap in treatment may be seen by the insurance company as your injuries not actually being severe.
If you don’t follow up with a physical therapist or other specialist, you might have a gap in treatment also. Any time you fail to see the doctor when your PCP or other medical provider has suggested you see them, you are experiencing a gap in treatment.
How Does a Gap in Treatment Impact My Claim?
The insurance company of the person who is at fault will review all of your medical records. If they see you haven’t followed the doctor’s orders or there was a gap in treatment, then they might think your injuries were not severe. This can significantly reduce the amount of compensation you get in your claim.
The insurance company will make a settlement offer based on the amount of medical treatment you have received and how much you will need in the future. If you only see a doctor once, then they won’t offer you as much as if you need treatment by multiple physicians multiple times.
We need to use your medical records as evidence of the severity of your injuries. If there is a gap in medical treatment, it will be difficult to prove that your injuries were severe.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer For Help With Your Claim
Oronoz & Ericsson, LLC has worked with thousands of victims of accidents caused by someone else’s negligence. We can help you prove that your injuries were serious and you deserve compensation. Call us today at (702) 878-2889 or use our online contact form.