Medical records are a crucial piece of evidence in any accident claim. The liable insurance company will demand solid proof of injuries and other losses before they agree to settle your case. When you consult a personal injury lawyer after an accident, they’ll also likely ask to see your medical documentation.
However, what if your injuries aren’t obvious, or you delayed going to the doctor after an accident? You may still be able to claim compensation if you work with a competent attorney.
Why You Should See a Doctor After an Accident
It’s hard to overstate the importance of seeking medical attention after an accident. A quick visit to the nearest emergency department or your physician can help you rule out any serious, potentially life-threatening injuries. Your recovery prospects will be much better if you start treatment immediately.
Furthermore, you must document your injuries if you plan to file a claim. When you have a detailed medical report within 24 hours of your accident, it’s much easier to establish a causal link between the accident and the injury.
However, maybe you decided to forego this step for some reason. Perhaps you didn’t think your injuries were serious enough to see a doctor. Or maybe you did go in for a checkup, but an evaluation didn’t find any significant injuries. Does this mean you aren’t entitled to compensation, and can a personal injury lawyer help?
When Injuries Aren’t Obvious
Some injuries, like fractures or TBIs, are nearly impossible to miss. They’ll show up on scans, and doctors will diagnose them easily. This isn’t always true for soft tissue injuries like back strain or whiplash.
Many people experience major, often chronic pain because of back strain, whiplash, nerve damage, and various soft tissue injuries that don’t show up on CT or MRI scans. Not every doctor knows how to recognize these conditions. Some practitioners may dismiss patients’ suffering. What are your options in this case?
Documenting and Proving Injuries
First, if you haven’t seen a doctor yet, do so as soon as possible. Even if a few weeks have already passed, you may be able to document your injuries and link them to the accident.
If you’re suffering from pain or lack of mobility but doctors haven’t been able to diagnose you so far, you may need to see a different medical professional. Additional tests could give you a more accurate diagnosis. You should also speak to a lawyer and learn your options. Your attorney may use medical testimony to prove that your injuries are real and cause significant distress.
Other Important Evidence for Your Accident Claim
A personal injury lawyer can also lean on other evidence to help you establish liability and document your losses. Photos and videos, witness statements, vehicle repair bills, and police reports may all support your claim. If the other side argues that you were partly responsible for the accident, your lawyer will explain how comparative negligence may influence your settlement.
Injured in an Accident? Call Warner & Fitzmartin, PLLC
If you find yourself asking, “Can I still hope for compensation if my injuries don’t appear on medical records?” reach out to our law firm. At Warner & Fitzmartin, PLLC, we represent injury victims even in complex cases where medical documentation is inconclusive. Our hardworking personal injury lawyers will review your available evidence, explain your options under Florida law, and work hard to settle your claim.
Call (561) 803-0167 or contact us online for a free consultation with an injury attorney in Lake Worth, FL.