Getting into a car accident can be a stressful experience, but it’s important to keep a clear head and take steps to protect yourself and make it possible to sue for compensation if needed. One step you definitely need to take is scheduling a visit to your doctor. This is something our Westchester County car accident attorneys recommend even if you don’t feel like you’re hurt in the immediate aftermath of the crash.
Why Should I See a Doctor After a Car Accident?
There are a few reasons to see a doctor soon after a car accident. First of all, it can sometimes be tough to notice that you’re actually hurt immediately after an accident. The stress of the situation and the adrenaline running through your system can easily mask some of the pain. You should get checked out right away so that you do not risk making your injuries worse.
Seeing a doctor might also be a necessity if you want to use your car insurance policy’s PIP, or personal injury protection, coverage. There may be deadlines that you need to meet in order to get a payout from your insurer.
Can Seeing a Doctor Help Me With an Injury Claim?
If your injuries are serious and PIP coverage is not enough, you may want to make a personal injury claim with another driver’s insurance. If you think that they acted negligently or caused the accident, then this is a good idea. You shouldn’t have to deal with a stack of medical bills and all of these other expenses when someone else is to blame!
Seeing a doctor right away allows you to get your injuries on the record. When you delay care, the other driver’s insurer might try to use that against you. They can say that you delayed your visit to the doctor because your injuries were not all that serious. They may even accuse you of getting hurt in a different event, sometime after the accident with their insured driver occurred.
What Kinds of Damages Can I Sue For After a Car Accident?
When you decide to make a personal injury claim against someone else’s insurance policy, you can pursue damages that cover a variety of expenses stemming from the car accident. We already mentioned your medical bills, but you could also be reimbursed for future medical care costs and things like:
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential
- Mental anguish
- Pain from disfigurement or disability
- Loss of enjoyment
- Property damages
We are ready to help you fight for a fair compensation offer that addresses the economic and non-economic costs of this crash and your injuries.
Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney
If you got hurt in a car accident and you believe that it was someone else’s fault, we can help you hold them accountable. Contact Hausman & Pendzick to schedule your free case consultation. We would be happy to tell you more about your legal options and the potential value of your case.