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How Long After a Car Accident Can You Go to the Hospital?

how long after car accident can you go to hospital

After a car accident, many people wonder how long they have to seek medical care. While some injuries are immediately obvious, others may take hours or even days to manifest. Therefore, it is advisable to go to the hospital as soon as possible after a car accident. Quick medical attention is highly advisable not only for your well-being but also for safeguarding your legal rights.

At Schmidt-Salita Law Firm, we advise car accident victims to create a link between the injury and the accident. This involves getting a medical evaluation, which helps with medical records to prove direct causation.

Here, our Minnesota car accident lawyers will assess you on how long after a car accident can you go to the hospital and how it can impact your potential settlement.

Is There a Deadline To See a Doctor After a Car Accident?

Technically, there is no strict legal deadline that prevents you from seeking medical attention after a car accident in Minnesota. However, insurance companies and courts often consider the timing of your medical visit when assessing the legitimacy of your claim. In Minnesota, it is advisable to see a doctor within a reasonable timeframe, preferably within 72 hours after an accident. This creates a documented medical record that can greatly strengthen your personal injury claim by proving that you took your injuries seriously.

Waiting too long to see a doctor can complicate matters, as insurance adjusters may argue that your injuries have no direct relation to the accident or that they were not severe enough to warrant immediate attention. Timely medical care protects your health and strengthens your compensation case. If you’re uncertain about your claim or the next steps following a car accident, it’s wise to call a personal injury attorney in Minnesota.

Do I Need a Medical Assessment Even if I’m Not Injured?

According to available data, around 60% of car accidents do not result in injuries, meaning that roughly half of all car crashes only cause property damage and do not lead to any personal injuries. In such cases, it is advisable to get a medical assessment even if you don’t feel injured immediately after the accident.

One major reason for seeking medical care is that the rush of adrenaline and shock that accompany car accidents can mask the symptoms of serious injuries. Conditions like internal bleeding, concussions, or soft tissue injuries may not show right away, yet they may cause significant long-term health issues if left untreated.

A thorough medical assessment will help identify any hidden injuries and provide a basis for your injury claim. Additionally, having medical documentation of your post-accident condition will help protect you in case symptoms develop later.

Hidden Injuries After a Car Accident

There are several injuries after a car accident that are not observable immediately. Some common hidden injuries include:

  • Whiplash. A neck injury that often takes a few days to manifest and can lead to chronic pain if untreated.
  • Concussions. A type of traumatic brain injury that may initially seem like a mild headache but can result in long-term cognitive issues.
  • Soft tissue injuries. Strains, sprains, or tears in muscles and ligaments might not cause pain until hours or days after the accident.
  • Internal injuries. Damage to internal organs may cause internal bleeding that may not have outward symptoms immediately, yet they can be life-threatening.
  • Back or spine injuries. A less serious but concerning issue is a slowly developing back injury, which might not show up until a day or two after the crash.

Will Not Going to the Doctor Affect My Settlement?

According to Minnesota law, you can refuse medical treatment. The exception occurs during a national emergency when individuals exposed to a toxic agent can transmit the infection to others.

However, failure to seek prompt medical attention is playing right into the hands of the insurance company. Insurers will always look for ways to reduce their payouts and one of the easiest ways to question the seriousness of your injuries. If there’s a significant gap between the accident and your first medical visit, insurers may argue that your injuries were not related to the accident or are exaggerated.

A delay in medical care can, therefore, undermine the credibility of your claim and reduce the amount of compensation you may receive. Therefore, you need to prioritize immediate medical evaluation not only for your health but also to ensure that your injuries are well-documented to strengthen your legal case.

Consult a Minnetonka, Minnesota Car Accident Lawyer

In the mix of many issues arising after a car accident, it is not uncommon to be uncertain of how long to take before seeking medical attention. If you are filing for a car accident, you should not wait to go to the hospital. This step creates important documentation that is vital for proving your claim.

At Schmidt-Salita Law Firm, we are committed to advising car accident victims in Minnetonka, MN to stand the best chance of a successful outcome. Call us at (952) 473-4530 for a free consultation today.