After a car accident, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention if necessary.
This is not only beneficial to your health but also if you wish to recover damages from the at-fault party.
However, an injury is not always present at the time of an accident.
So how long do you have after an accident to seek medical help?
Although there is no deadline to seek medical help, there are several reasons as to why waiting could be detrimental to your health and your case from a legal standpoint.
You may have an underlying injury that is small now but will worsen over time. Delaying initial treatment could worsen your conditions.
Depending on your auto insurance policy, under the personal injury protection (PIP) benefit that covers your medical treatment, you may be required to receive medical care within a certain amount of time. This will be dependent upon your specific policy.
Delaying treatment can also make the process of filing a personal injury claim more complex.
Insurance companies are quick to settle and will use the delay in medical care to reduce the amount of money your claim is worth.
It is important to never sign anything from the at-fault’s insurance company before seeking medical treatment if needed. You could lose your rights to pursue compensation in the future.
You have two years in which to settle a claim or file a lawsuit after an accident.
Even if you feel fine after an accident, it is still a good idea to get looked over by a medical professional. This will come as no cost to you. When you visit the doctor for the first time, you must tell them you have been in a car accident and provide your insurance information. They will bill your first-party benefits until they are exhausted.
It can be complex to navigate through the process after an accident.
The outcome of you case with be dependent on several factors.
Consulting or hiring an attorney is always a good idea after an accident. It is your attorney’s job to build a strong claim for damages against the at-fault party.
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If you or a loved one were injured in an accident, contact the personal injury attorneys at Berger and Green. Our attorneys will provide you with a free no obligation consultation to evaluate your case. Call 412-661-1400 to speak with an attorney today.