Seeing a Doctor Right Away Helps Our Washington Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Build a Better Claim for Compensation
Even if you don’t believe you were hurt, or suffered what seem to be minor injuries, put your health first. Taking this step is vital for many reasons, especially when you need to pursue an injury settlement from the negligent party who caused the crash.
At Max Meyers Law, our experienced motorcycle accident legal team has a strong track record of success fighting for the rights of motorcycle crash victims like you. Here’s our advice for preserving your well-being and protecting your claim.
3 Reasons You Need Medical Care Right After Your Accident
There are many mistakes that can be made after a motorcycle collision, but taking a chance on your health shouldn’t be one of them. You could weaken your case and make it harder for our legal team to get you all the damages you are entitled to under Washington law.
A doctor at an emergency room, urgent care facility, or a physician’s office should examine you within 72 hours after your wreck. Here are three reasons we believe this is crucial.
#1: You May Not Realize You Were Severely Injured
The shock of the motorcycle accident or adrenaline could mask the symptoms of some serious injuries for days or weeks after the crash. If you don’t get treatment for them right away, you may not know how badly you’re hurt until conditions worsen or you suffer a life-threatening emergency. Common hidden injuries you may have suffered include:
- A traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Whiplash or other neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Internal injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions
Protect your well-being and have a comprehensive exam right after your motorcycle accident.
#2: Your Claim for Compensation Will Be Stronger
By getting quick medical care for your injuries, you strengthen your claim for compensation. Why is this true? You’re proving that your injuries were caused by the motorcycle collision and not another incident. In addition, you’re establishing from the start that your injuries are severe enough to require certain types of medical attention, treatment, and rehabilitation.
#3: You May Avoid Some Disputes With the Negligent Driver’s Insurance Company
Insurance companies often argue about the cause of motorcycle accidents or the seriousness of the victim’s injuries to reduce the amount of the settlement or deny paying a claim. If you delay taking care of your health, you give them ammunition to fight about why they shouldn’t have to pay you, which complicates the settlement process. But clear documentation to back up your claim for medical expenses, lost wages due to recovery, and other crash-related issues, these facts are hard to dispute.
Why Following Up on Your Medical Treatments Is Vital
It’s equally important to your health and your claim to follow your provider’s advice about your treatment plan. You should attend all doctor appointments, get diagnostic tests, and attend scheduled physical therapy sessions. If you do this, you show how life-altering your injuries are and that you’re doing your part to recover from them as quickly as possible.
If you haven’t followed your physician’s advice, missed appointments, or have gaps in your medical care, the at-fault driver’s insurance adjuster could argue that your injuries are less severe than you claim. They would also try to force you to accept a lower settlement.
Why You Should Contact Max Meyers Law Soon After Your Washington Motorcycle Accident
After you get immediate medical care, call us right away. We take over all actions necessary to settle your claim so you can focus on getting better. Here are some ways we’ll assist you:
- Collect evidence. This includes the police report, eyewitness statements, traffic and business video footage of the crash, and your medical records—all essential to prove your case.
- Negotiate your settlement. We understand the tactics adjusters may use to dispute your claim and have strategies to refute them. We assess all aspects of your economic and non-economic losses and fight for your rightful settlement.
- Litigate your case. If necessary, we’ll sue the at-fault motorist if their insurance company refuses to treat you fairly. We aren’t afraid to try your case at a jury trial if this is in your best interests.
