The aftermath of a car accident can be a confusing and frightening experience. The impact of vehicles colliding is shocking and many car accident victims are in a state of bewilderment and uncertainty after the crash. These factors may cause a car accident victim to underestimate injuries in the initial aftermath. Or, down the line, a car accident victim may not agree with the treatment plan a doctor recommends. These questions leave those impacted by a car accident wondering if they can still file a claim if they refused medical treatment.
Refusing Medical Treatment at the Scene
In the immediate moments after a car accident, your chief concern may be a loved one or passengers in the vehicle. Your mind may be racing with thoughts on making sure your family is safe and other developments at the scene. Some injuries may be slow to present themselves. For any or all of these reasons, you may have refused medical treatment at the scene of the accident.
The best course of action is to seek medical care and treatment as soon as you realize you’re injured, even if that’s a few hours, days or weeks later. When you meet with a doctor, make sure to describe your symptoms in the context of before the accident and after. Be clear and provide detail on how you think the accident may have caused your injury. Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries are one of the more common car accident injuries that can have a delayed onset.
Disagreeing with a Treatment Plan
In some instances, you may not agree with a treatment plan your doctor prescribes. Perhaps you’ve heard that it’s in your best interest to follow your doctor’s treatment plan to better your chances of a successful claim.
Under New Jersey law – as in most states – you have a right to refuse medical treatment. Medical professionals cannot treat without your informed consent. It’s understandable that everyone wants full control over their healthcare choices and treatment options.
If you find yourself disagreeing with a treatment plan, discuss your options with a doctor. Perhaps an alternative option could be agreed upon – at least for a period of time before other options could be explored.
While it’s valid advice to make sure you follow through on the doctor’s orders, especially if you are in the midst of a personal injury claim, you don’t have to do so without questioning or asking about alternative treatment options. You should also not decide on a treatment plan based on how much compensation you may receive.
If you find yourself at odds with recommended medical treatment, make sure to discuss the situation with your car accident attorney. He or she can advise you on how this may affect your specific claim.
Medical Treatment and Insurance Companies
Car insurance companies are in the business of mitigating claims. In other words, they want to pay out the least amount of money they can. Without medical documentation of your injuries, you may have a tough time convincing an insurance company of your injuries and they may deny your claim all together. The more medical records and testimony you have to prove your injuries were caused by the car accident, the stronger your claim will be,
Help with Your Car Accident Injury Claim
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s recklessness or negligence, you don’t deserve to shoulder the cost of those injuries on your own. The car accident lawyers of Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, can help. Our experienced, compassionate attorneys understand what you’re going through and will work tirelessly to prove your claim and get you the compensation you deserve.
We have decades of experience and the results to prove it.* We take on insurance companies who are denying or devaluing claims and handle all communication and negotiation. Why risk being unfairly compensated for an accident that wasn’t your fault? Contact us today and let us turn your setback into a comeback.