Automobile accidents often occur unexpectedly and may lead to serious damage and physical injuries. That said, the immediate and decisive execution of several specific steps could play a vital role in ensuring that those involved in such mishaps recover with greater efficiency and expediency.
One such action both health and legal professionals recommend be taken by car accident victims in the days or even hours following the incident is to receive a thorough evaluation in a hospital emergency room or physician’s office. Failure to do so may eventually lead to serious health, financial and legal consequences. Car accident attorney David Kohm invites clients and website viewers to read the following brief blog highlighting why those involved in car accidents need to receive prompt medical attention.
Health Concerns
First and foremost, a party to an auto accident needs to ensure they survived the event in good health. Obviously, those involved in serious mishaps will likely have sustained moderate to severe injuries that require immediate evaluation.
However, even minor collisions could precipitate significant health issues that might not be immediately noticeable. When times of stress or injury occur, the body protects itself through what is known as the “fight or flight” response.” During this process the body releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline which offers protection from pain and shock. Therefore, potentially serious injuries might not be felt in the minutes, hours or perhaps several days following the event in question.
Even minor dustups have been known to produce significant health concerns including but not merely limited to concussions, internal bleeding, broken bones and soft tissue injuries that could produce serious pain, mobility problems and potentially life-threatening complications. The only way to know the extent of the physical damage one sustained is to receive an immediate physical examination. A faster diagnosis of any potential problem could prevent more serious manifestations or complications.
Insurance Company Mandates
Concerned over the increasing incidents of fraud, insurance companies often impose restrictions when processing accident injury claims. Specific regulations may vary from state to state and from provider to provider. That said, in many instances, insurance companies afford accident parties no more than two weeks to place claims. After a fortnight, many providers often challenge injury claims and are reluctant to cover accident-related medical expenses.
Personal Injury Suits
Like any legal proceeding, civil suits are predicated on providing evidence suitable to prove one’s case. Ergo, documented medical proof of injuries established by a healthcare professional is absolutely critical to a plaintiff’s success in a personal injury trial.
To win a personal injury case, a complainant and said individual’s attorney must demonstrate that the purported injuries occurred as a result of the accident and that those injuries are directly related to the damages (financial compensation) sought. Attorneys representing the other party )parties) will likely try to demonstrate that the plaintiff’s injuries were not caused by the incident.
Such arguments can be refuted with evidence that provides medical certainty that the plaintiff’s injuries were the result of the event in question. Furthermore, establishing these facts in the immediate aftermath of the incident provides the basis for a stronger legal argument. If the plaintiff hesitates to undergo a medical evaluation or is unable to produce medical records, it is much easier for another legal team to question the validity of the complainant’s claims.
Contact the Law Office of David Kohm
If you have been involved in an accident and need a car accident attorney, call our law offices today at any one of the following convenient locations and get a free consultation:
Arlington (817) 522-4451
Addison (972) 564-8108
Denton (940) 222-4060
Dallas (972) 362-6848
Garland (214) 572-2251
Fort Worth (817) 764-1375
Cedar Hill (972) 338-9427
McKinney (469) 522-3688
Lewisville (972) 354-4605
Frisco (972) 725-7681
Grapevine (817) 835-8677
Irving (972) 354-4610
Keller (817) 204-0904
Plano (972) 354-4602
You can also contact us online by using our quick contact form.
