An ER visit after a car accident is often just the beginning — both in terms of your medical recovery and the potential for a personal injury claim. Going to the emergency room is always the right choice when you are experiencing signs of an injury. Prompt medical treatment can protect your health and provide vital evidence to support your case for compensation.
Why You Should Visit the ER After an Accident
Seek immediate medical attention after an auto accident, even if you feel fine. Some serious injuries, like concussions and internal bleeding, have a delayed onset. ER doctors can perform tests to diagnose latent injuries, helping to avoid health complications later.
From a legal and insurance perspective, an emergency room visit creates immediate, documented proof of your injuries and links them to the car crash. Insurance companies — even your own —look out for their interests first. Delaying medical treatment gives the adjuster room to argue that your injuries aren’t serious or weren’t caused by the collision. This tactic may result in you recovering less compensation than you deserve.
How ER Records Support Your Injury Claim
Medical records are a vital piece of evidence supporting a personal injury claim. You can’t recover compensation until you prove you got hurt.
Here’s what makes ER records important:
- Emergency room records demonstrate the severity of your injuries in the immediate aftermath of the auto accident. They also provide clear, time-stamped documentation that directly connects your injuries to the crash.
- ER records detail your diagnosis, symptoms, treatment plans, and the doctor’s observations. This information further establishes the extent of your injuries and any ongoing medical care you may require.
Legal Value of an ER Visit in a Car Accident Claim
The link between a visit to the emergency room and a car accident claim is vital, as it lays the groundwork for whatever legal action you choose to take later.
Timing matters in car accident cases. Insurance companies closely examine the time between the crash and when the accident victim seeks medical treatment. Anything can happen in the days after a crash. If an insurer learns about everyday mishaps — like tripping over a rug at home or straining your back while putting your child in a car seat — they may try to blame those incidents for your injuries rather than the car accident. If they get access to your entire medical history, they might blame your injuries on a pre-existing condition instead of the crash. ER records give your car accident lawyer valuable evidence to contradict those claims and negotiate for maximum compensation for your injuries.
Furthermore, Florida’s no-fault insurance laws require accident victims to seek initial medical treatment within 14 days of a collision. An accident victim who waits longer than 14 days to get medical care could be barred from accessing the personal injury protection (PIP) coverage they pay for. Getting immediate medical attention at the ER means your medical expenses are eligible for PIP coverage.
When to Contact a Florida Car Accident Attorney
Contact a car accident lawyer as soon as your condition stabilizes. In addition to the short PIP deadline, you can expect the insurance company from the at-fault party to start calling soon after the crash. Seeking legal advice can help you understand the claims process and how an attorney can help you through this difficult time.
Zimmet & Zimmet is a personal injury law firm with a 50-year history of representing clients in Daytona Beach and Central Florida. We can take over every aspect of your car accident case, allowing you to focus on your recovery. Call or contact us today to arrange a free consultation.
