While it’s possible to walk away from a car accident without any injuries, serious injuries are quite common after traffic crashes. Often, you can’t know right away whether you’ve managed to escape unharmed.
Here’s what you need to know about seeking medical help after your collision:
- You need an evaluation. Even if you feel perfectly fine after your accident, it’s important to visit a doctor or medical professional to get evaluated. If you have hit your head, you will want to visit the ER or an urgent care center, just to be on the safe side. Some symptoms may not be obvious or may take time to develop. Getting prompt medical care makes sure you get the diagnosis and treatment you need.
- You may need a second opinion. Unfortunately, misdiagnosis, ER malpractice, and medical mistakes are not uncommon. If you’re worried about symptoms you’re having and you’re not getting the help you feel you need, feel free to seek a second opinion. If you’re diagnosed with a serious injury, it is also worthwhile to ask for a second opinion.
- You need follow-up. In addition to the time and expense of initial medical care, your treatment may require additional testing and follow-up visits. It’s important to follow medical advice and to get all needed medical treatment so you have the best chance of recovery.
- Get documentation. One reason it’s important to visit medical professionals after a car collision is to start the documentation process. If you have whiplash or a soft tissue injury, especially, you might not experience symptoms right away. Insurance companies for the other side may claim your injuries were not caused by the crash at all. Working with a doctor soon after your accident can help you prove the link between your injuries and crash. It can also help prove the extent and severity of your injuries, which may be important if you pursue a claim.
Dealing with Medical Costs After a Car Accident
Anyone injured in a car accident in Southern Florida needs to consider medical costs. Even with good medical insurance, the costs of medical care after a collision can add up significantly. Co-pays, deductibles, and uncovered care can add up. You may need to pay for:
- Emergency room stays
- Surgery
- MRIs and other medical imaging
- Skin grafts and other procedures insurance companies may call “cosmetic”
- Rehabilitation, physical therapy, and other ongoing treatment
- Medical devices, including prosthetics or wheelchairs
- Visits to specialists
- Dental care, including crowns and other work if you’ve suffered a facial injury
In addition to the immediate medical costs, being seriously injured could impact your medical costs moving forward. If you suffer a permanent injury, you may now have a pre-existing condition that impacts your future medical and insurance costs.
With these financial considerations, it’s important to protect your finances and your health after a traffic collision. One way you can do that is by speaking with a Florida personal injury attorney who has experience with car accident claims. Contacting a lawyer soon after your accident lets you find out whether you may have a claim that lets you pursue compensation so you can pay for your medical bills.
If you’d like to speak to a car accident claims attorney in Southern Florida, call Flaxman Law Group at 866-352-9626 to speak to a live person 24/7 and to schedule a free, no obligation consultation. Or contact us online to set up your free accident consultation today. Our legal team has offices in Homestead, Hollywood, and Miami so we can serve the entire South Florida community.