Car accidents can vary in severity. Some car accidents are fatal. Some leave victims with life-changing injuries. Others, fortunately, cause virtually no harm at all.
However, if you’re ever involved in a motor vehicle accident in Spokane, Washington, Everett, WA, or any of the surrounding communities, it’s always wise to seek medical attention in the immediate aftermath of your accident. This is critical even if you don’t believe you have been seriously injured. The following are key reasons why:
You Might Not Be Aware of Your Injuries
You would expect to notice the signs of an injury resulting from a car accident, motorcycle accident, or truck accident right away. This is not always the case. The symptoms of some motor vehicle accident injuries are not detectable until days or even weeks after an accident has occurred.
There’s no harm in seeing a doctor immediately after a collision. Even if you learn you haven’t sustained any major injuries, at the very least, you’ll get the peace of mind that comes from knowing a physician has assessed your wellness and believes you do not need any treatment. If you have sustained injuries, getting the treatment you need sooner rather than later will likely help you recover more quickly and easily than you otherwise would.
Your Chances of Recovering Compensation Will Be Much Greater if You See a Doctor
Washington is an “at-fault” state. In some states, your own insurer will compensate you for your medical bills and other such losses after a car accident, even if said accident resulted from another driver’s negligence.
That’s not the case in Washington. In our state, if you are involved in an accident because another motorist was careless, you can seek the compensation for which you may be eligible by filing a claim to collect from their insurance company.
Many insurance companies play an important role in providing victims with access to the compensation they may be owed after motor vehicle collisions. That said, some insurers have cultivated a reputation for “lowballing” claimants in order to minimize how much money they have to eventually pay when cases are resolved.
An insurance adjuster’s employer has probably encouraged them to look for reasons to deny claims or offer low settlements. If you fail to see a doctor shortly after your accident, even if they do identify injuries, an insurance adjuster might argue you haven’t proven that your injuries resulted from the accident in question. This could help them justify not offering proper compensation.
That is one of many reasons you should not delay when contacting a doctor after a motor vehicle accident. After seeking medical attention, strongly consider scheduling a free consultation with a car accident attorney serving clients in the Spokane and Everett areas as well.
At Russell & Hill, PLLC, our team will review your case and determine if you have reason to seek compensation by filing a claim or lawsuit. If you choose to hire us, we will also provide the aggressive representation you deserve, optimizing your chances of settling for a fair payout. Learn more about how we can help by calling us today at 800-529-0842 or contacting us online to schedule your free consultation.