How Long After a Car Accident Can You Go to the Hospital?

Seeking immediate medical attention after a car accident is crucial to improve your chances of receiving maximum compensation. You need to establish a clear connection between the crash and your injuries. Each insurance company sets rules for how many days count as a “reasonable” amount of time to seek treatment. Waiting too long could jeopardize your injury claim, so your best move is to see a doctor as soon as possible.  

Early medical intervention can make all the difference when it comes to your health and the success of your car accident claim in Arizona. So can the right lawyer. Reach out to the experienced attorneys at Mushkatel, Gobbato, & Kile, P.L.L.C. today. Our legal team knows what it takes to obtain full and fair compensation for injured people. Contact us today for a consultation.

Why Should I See a Doctor Right After the Accident?

The hours and days after a car accident can feel overwhelming. Many factors may compete for your attention, including pain, shock, and the collision’s possible financial and legal repercussions. Despite these demands, make visiting a qualified medical professional a priority.

One reason for the urgency is to optimize your chances of a full recovery. The healing process may go more smoothly if a doctor diagnoses and treats your condition right away. Prompt care will provide the resources and support you need for maximum medical improvement.

Acting quickly also protects any future injury claim you need to file. The success of your claim hinges on your ability to show a clear causal relationship between the auto accident and your injuries. Visiting a doctor immediately after the collision is one of the most effective ways to establish a connection. Your provider will record every detail of your visit in your medical records, providing valuable evidence of your injuries, treatment, and commitment to your health.

Should I Seek Medical Care If I Am Not Injured Badly?

Always seek medical care after a car accident, even if you don’t think you got hurt. Some injuries or symptoms that initially seem insignificant can worsen over time. If you wait too long to get treatment, you might end up with a chronic injury you could have avoided with proper care.

Are There Injuries That Can Show Up Later?

When you experience a traumatic event, your body releases a hormone called adrenaline into your system. While adrenaline can give you the energy and strength to make it through stressful circumstances, it does its job partly by minimizing your ability to feel pain. As such, many people involved in car accidents do not realize they sustained injuries until hours or even days have passed.

Some injuries that could initially fly beneath your radar after a traffic crash include:

• Herniated discs – Spongy discs cushion the bones in your spinal column. The force of impact in a car crash can compress these discs, causing them to slip out of their natural positions. While this condition can cause immediate pain, it can also remain hidden for weeks or months before it begins to cause noticeable trouble.
• Concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) – A sudden jolt, direct blow, or penetrating injury to your head can cause a brain injury. The resulting bruising or bleeding within your skull can lead to various physical and cognitive effects, but the symptoms do not always manifest immediately.
• Hairline fractures – Many people unknowingly suffer hairline fractures in car accidents. These tiny cracks in the bones can grow and become more painful without early detection.
• Organ damage and internal bleeding – Many vital organs, including the lungs and kidneys, do not have pain receptors. If you suffer damage to these organs or start bleeding internally, you might not initially feel anything unusual. However, organ rupture and internal bleeding can quickly turn fatal if undiagnosed.

Can My Compensation Be Affected if I Do Not Seek Treatment Right Away?

Insurance companies have one goal: to reduce the amount of money they pay to claimants. By forgoing early medical treatment, insurers can argue that you do not deserve compensation because you did not take your injuries seriously after the accident.

The more time that passes between a motor vehicle accident and your initial trip to the hospital, the weaker your claim becomes. Even if the insurer does not deny your claim entirely, they might use a delay as an excuse to offer a much smaller settlement than you deserve.

If you suffered injuries in an accident and have not yet sought medical attention, do it now. You should also speak to a trusted Arizona car accident attorney who will gather the evidence you need for a strong injury claim.

Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Car Accident Claim in Arizona?

Injury claims have time limits. Arizona’s statute of limitations gives injured individuals a maximum of two years to file a car accident lawsuit. This might sound like a long time, but time flies in the wake of a serious injury. Hiring an attorney promptly gives your lawyer plenty of time to:

• Collect solid evidence for a robust personal injury claim
• Determine liability and identify all potential sources of compensation
• Calculate the financial value of your losses
• Negotiate with the insurance company for a full and fair settlement
• Prepare your case for trial if necessary

Focusing on this process can be challenging when recovering from car crash injuries. Putting your case in the hands of a skilled car accident lawyer can take the pressure off during this difficult time.

Contact a Sun City Car Accident Lawyer

The seasoned Sun City car accident attorneys at Mushkatel, Gobbato, & Kile, P.L.L.C., are committed to protecting the rights of injured people in Arizona. Our knowledgeable legal team will listen compassionately to your story and develop an effective strategy that considers all of your needs and goals. Your initial consultation is confidential and there is no obligation, so you have nothing to lose by speaking with one of our lawyers. Contact us today to get started.

Visit Our Sun City Car Accident Law Offices

About the Author

Zachary Mushkatel

Zachary Mushkatel discovered his affinity for the law by chance. As a political science major at the University of Arizona, he first aspired to become a professor. But an unexpected invitation to participate on a mock trial team at the university encouraged him to turn his competitive spirit and drive…