Many people feel fine after a car crash, slip and fall, or other accident, only to notice pain days later. If you’ve delayed medical care after an accident, you may be wondering whether it’s too late to go to the doctor.
So, when is it too late to see a doctor after an accident? It’s technically never too late, but you should visit a doctor as soon as possible to avoid compromising your personal injury claim.
If you’ve waited to seek medical care after an accident, you don’t have to give up on your claim. A Tacoma personal injury lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company and help you obtain a fair settlement.
When is It Too Late to See a Doctor After an Accident?
Technically, it’s never too late to see a doctor after an accident. However, waiting too long can damage both your health and your personal injury case. If you don’t seek immediate care, insurance companies may argue that your injuries must not have been serious, or that they weren’t caused by the accident at all.
Doctors recommend seeking medical care within 24 to 72 hours of an accident, even if you feel fine. The earlier you get evaluated, the stronger your medical records will be as evidence.
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What are the Consequences of Delaying Medical Care After an Accident?
Delaying medical care after an accident can have serious consequences. Some of the most common ones include:
- Worsening injuries: Conditions like concussions, internal bleeding, or spinal injuries may become more severe without timely treatment.
- Longer recovery time: You may face extended rehabilitation or permanent complications if medical care is postponed.
- Lower settlement value: Insurance adjusters may argue that delayed treatment means your injuries weren’t serious, which may reduce your payout.
- Difficulty proving causation: The longer the gap between the accident and your treatment, the harder it will be to connect your injuries to the accident.
- Reduced credibility: A delay may raise questions about your honesty and weaken your claim in the eyes of a judge or jury.
How Long Do You Have to Report an Accident to Your Insurance Company?
Every insurance company has its own reporting requirements, but most expect notice within a few days. Some policies require “prompt” or “immediate” notice, which insurers often interpret strictly.
Even if you haven’t seen a doctor yet, you should still report the accident to your insurer, as waiting too long can result in a denial of coverage. Once you get evaluated by a doctor, you can follow up with medical records.
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How Long After an Accident Can You File an Injury Claim?
According to RCW § 4.16.080, the statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits in Washington State is three years from the date of the accident.
If you miss this deadline, you’ll likely forfeit your right to pursue compensation, which is why it’s important to reach out to an attorney immediately after your accident.
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What to Do if You’ve Delayed Medical Care
Even if you didn’t see a doctor immediately after your accident, you may still have a viable claim. To start building it, take these steps:
- Get medical care immediately: Even if weeks have passed, visit a doctor and explain how the accident caused your injuries.
- Be honest about the delay: Your credibility matters. Tell your doctor and lawyers why you waited to seek medical care.
- Gather supporting evidence: Keep accident reports, photos, and witness statements that can help connect your injuries to the accident.
- Consult our attorneys: Our lawyers can help explain the delay to insurers and fight for fair compensation on your behalf.
Why Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Attorneys can make the difference between a denied claim and a fair personal injury settlement. Specifically, they can:
- Prove causation: Our lawyers can work with medical experts to connect your injuries to the accident, even if you waited to seek treatment.
- Handle negotiations: Insurers often undervalue delayed claims. Our attorneys can push back and fight for a fair payout.
- Make sure you meet deadlines: Our lawyers can ensure you meet all insurance and court filing deadlines.
- Represent you in court: If your case goes to trial, our attorneys can present your case and fight for a favorable outcome.
Without legal help, you may not recover the compensation you deserve.
Common Delayed Injuries in Accidents
Some injuries take time to show symptoms, which is why seeing a doctor right away is so important. Injuries that may not be apparent immediately after an accident include:
- Whiplash: Neck stiffness and headaches can appear hours or days later.
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Dizziness, confusion, and memory issues may not become issues right away.
- Internal bleeding: Abdominal pain or bruising may not be immediately noticeable.
- Back and spine injuries: Herniated discs or nerve damage can worsen over time.
- Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, strains, and muscle tears can become painful days after a slip and fall accident.
Call Our Personal Injury Attorneys Today
If you’ve delayed seeking medical treatment after an accident, you still have legal options. The skilled personal injury lawyers at NextLaw can review your case, gather evidence to strengthen it, and fight for the compensation you deserve. We’ve advocated for thousands of residents of Washington State, and we can do the same for you.
Don’t let an insurance company dismiss your injuries just because you waited to seek care. If you’ve been hurt due to someone else’s negligence, Call Dan Next!
Call or text (253) 238-2558 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form