How Long Do You Have To See a Doctor After an Auto Accident in Maryland?
Following an auto accident, especially one that resulted in no obvious injuries, Maryland drivers may delay getting checked out by a medical professional. We cannot emphasize this enough: do not wait. You potentially jeopardize the processing of your insurance claim and your settlement if you are pursuing a personal injury case. We, however, acknowledge that getting seen by a doctor can sometimes involve a waiting period. With this in mind, we wanted to address a commonly asked question:
How long do you have to see a doctor after an auto accident in maryland?
Most insurance companies consider 72 hours to be reasonable. This means that for insurance purposes, you have 72 hours to see a doctor for a post-accident injury before you risk a serious reduction in the compensation you receive. Upon getting an appointment, make sure to tell your doctor that you were involved in an auto accident so they document this properly and ensure they keep an eye out for future complications. Doing so provides you with a record that can be used when submitting an insurance claim, pursuing damages from another driver, and seeking further treatment if issues arise later.
A Baltimore personal injury attorney can still take on these cases but it becomes more difficult to convince the insurance company you suffered a serious injury because of the auto accident. You should see a doctor within 72 hours to better protect yourself and your injury claim.
What if you experience delayed pain or injuries?
We understand that each individual experiences pain differently and individual’s bodies may not show signs of trauma immediately. The pain and discomfort caused by an auto accident injury doesn’t show itself for a day or two after a car crash. However, it is still important to have an initial consultation with a doctor as soon as possible following an accident and request follow-ups as additional complications arise. For example, the following types of injuries may not manifest for up to a week:
- Soft tissue bruising and soreness
- Neck and back pain or stiffness
- Stress fractures only visible with special bone scans
- Dislocated spinal discs
- Abrasions
Be sure, after each visit, to retain documentation in the event you need it for insurance claims or seeking damages from another party. An auto accident attorney will need this to build your case.
What happens if you miss doctor’s appointments or delay treatment?
Depending on the particulars of your situation, choosing to delay or completely miss appointments can jeopardize an insurance claim’s pay-out or a case’s settlement. Along with the doctor’s documentation, you may wish to keep a separate journal or list of your appointments, dates, and pain levels for future reference.
Conclusion
If you have suffered serious injury in a car accident, we invite you to call us immediately. We will help you get the medical treatment that you need quickly. We have helped many people facing debilitating injuries caused by the negligence of others obtain substantial financial compensation, so they could maintain a high quality of life for both themselves and their families. If you or a family member has been involved in a collision with a careless or negligent driver, call us today at 443-844-1528, or email us a carol@littaccidentlaw.com for a free consultation with one of our experienced accident attorneys. We are conveniently located in Baltimore, Maryland. There is never a fee until we win your case.