Don’t Delay Going to the Hospital
According to a survey, 64 percent of Americans delayed or simply avoided getting medical attention in the past 12 months due to anticipated expenses, according to the Hospital CFO Report. Sadly, as the cost of medical care continues to increase, more and more Americans are forced to choose to avoid medical care, and potentially getting sick and dying, or going bankrupt by visiting a hospital. This decision weighs heavily on the minds of people even after being involved in serious traffic collisions.
You Have Two Weeks to Seek Medical Care for PIP
In Florida, you have to go through your own PIP (personal injury protection) insurance before you can file a personal injury claim against the other party. PIP pays for a very small amount of lost wages and medical expenses. Most victims in traffic collisions require a much higher level of compensation than what their PIP insurance can provide. However, according to Florida statute 627.736, you must seek medical care within 14 days of the collision, otherwise your own insurance company will deny your claim. If this happens, your chances of being compensated by the other party are very slim.
Why Taking the Ambulance, or Going to the Hospital Right Away, is in Your Best Interest
Claims that involve ambulance visits are statistically higher in value than claims that do not involve emergency transportation to a hospital. Furthermore, the longer you wait to go to the hospital, the harder it becomes to make the argument that your injuries are substantial. You need medical evidence of your injuries, and these can begin to fade or become muddled within a week of the crash. While you may not experience pain the day of the crash, or even pain the day after, soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash, herniated disc, or chronic back pain, may end up revealing themselves at a later date.
Insurance Adjusters Are Not On Your Side, and Delaying a Hospital Visit Hurts Your Claim
While they may come across as being friendly and helpful, the other party’s insurance adjuster has one goal in mind: pay as little money to you as possible while still protecting the insured—the at fault party. It is best to avoid talking to the other party’s insurance company all together, and to allow your personal injury attorney to handle all communication with the other party and their insurer. You can talk to your own insurance companies, including your health insurer and your auto insurance provider. In fact, it is your responsibility to inform your auto insurer about the collision. Your auto insurance provider is even likely to quickly step in and pay you the expense of your property damage even when the other party is at fault. However, if you delay getting medical treatment, you are at a major disadvantage when it comes to settling for a fair amount, or winning a favorable lawsuit verdict, as the other party’s insurance adjuster will use this as evidence that your injuries were not that serious.
Our Orlando Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help Maximize Your Claim
If you were involved in a car crash, seek medical care immediately if you have not done so yet. Next, talk to an attorney about your options for being compensated by the other party for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, property damage, and more. Call the Orlando personal injury attorneys at the Payer Law today at 407-307-2979 to schedule a free consultation.
Resource:
beckershospitalreview.com/finance/64-of-americans-avoid-treatment-due-to-cost-of-medical-care-5-survey-insights.html
/why-medical-evidence-is-important-in-your-personal-injury-case/
