MIAMI WORK INJURY LAWYERS

Reasons to see a doctor after Florida car accidents

Worker's Compensation

Injuries aren’t always obvious immediately

While some types of injuries sustained in a car accident are obvious and prompt you to seek immediate medical attention, many internal injuries may not be noticeable immediately. Many people go into a state of shock after a vehicle accident and the flood of adrenalin can mask symptoms until hours or even days later. In some instances, pain relating to an injury sustained in a car accident doesn’t appear until a considerable amount of time has passed, and this can make it difficult to connect the problem with a past, undiscovered injury.​​​​​​​

Some delayed injuries are more common than others, including:

  • Headaches, which could indicate a neck, head or brain injury

  • Neck pain and shoulder stiffness, common symptoms of whiplash

  • Back pain

  • Abdominal pain and swelling, which is potentially indicative of internal bleeding

  • Numbness, tingling or other sensations in the extremities, which could indicate problems with the spinal cord

  • Changes in behavior and personality, including confusion and forgetfulness, common symptoms of a brain injury

Unless you get checked out by a doctor, you run the risk of your injury becoming much worse or even potentially life-threatening. As such, it is strongly recommended that you get assessed by a professional, even if you feel absolutely fine.

You may not be able to get insurance cover on your medical care if you delay

Most insurance companies have time limits on which medical care they will pay for after an accident. If you delay seeking your initial treatment for more than 72 hours, your auto insurer could potentially claim that your injury was unrelated to the accident and deny coverage. This could leave you with the stress of trying to cover your costs as well as recuperate from your injuries.

Future treatment will be covered

Sometimes the physical effects of a car accident can persist for weeks, months or even years. By seeking immediate treatment in the hours after the collision, your medical provider can successfully link future problems back to the original accident, which will help ensure your medical bills are covered by your insurance.

Support a Worker’s Compensation claim

If you are involved in a car accident in the course of your employment, you may be entitled to Worker’s Compensation. This is a financial benefit paid out to employees who have suffered an accident or sustained injury due to the negligence of their employer. If you can prove that your employer is at fault, for example, you are driving a car that has not been properly maintained, or your vehicle has been hit by another employee at work driving negligently, then you could be able to claim Worker’s Compensation. If you intend on doing this, you will need medical evidence to support your claim. Even if there are no obvious injuries right away, having a medical report will enable later problems to be linked back to the initial accident if appropriate. Not being assessed by a doctor could make it difficult or impossible for you to claim the benefits that you are entitled to.

If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident, don’t delay in seeking an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible after the incident.

Juan Lucas Alvarez

Juan Lucas

jla@juanlucaslaw.com

305-442-7375