When you are involved in an accident caused by a negligent party, it is critical to understand the importance of attending all medical appointments. Unfortunately, many assume that so long as they see a doctor once after the injury, they do not need to follow up. However, this is far from the truth. In reality, these matters can be incredibly complicated, and failure to adhere to medical advice can hurt your case. The following blog explores what you should know about these matters, including the importance of working with a Sacramento personal injury lawyer to help you understand the importance of these steps.
Why Is It Crucial to See a Doctor After an Accident?
Seeking medical treatment following an injury in California is one of the most important things you can do following an accident for several reasons. First and foremost, seeing a doctor is crucial as it can help protect your health and well-being. In fact, you should seek medical care immediately after an accident by contacting emergency services and requesting the assistance of emergency medical technicians at the scene. They can determine the severity of your injuries and provide treatment until you can get to a hospital or see your primary care physician. Unfortunately, some injuries, like traumatic brain injuries, may not immediately appear, so ensuring you keep up with your appointments is critical.
In addition, seeing a doctor and attending follow-up appointments is crucial, as it helps ensure you can obtain evidence to help support your claims. Every time you see your physician, they will update your records to reflect the progress of your injuries, symptoms, pain levels, and other important information that can help you prove the damages you’ve sustained as a result of the defendant
What Happens if I Skip Medical Appointments?
Though the idea of going to the doctor on a regular basis can be frustrating, ensuring you adhere to the recommendations of your provider is critical, not only to help ensure that your health and well-being are prioritized but also for the outcome of your case. Not only can you collect evidence during this process, but you’ll also find that skipping appointments can be used against you. In many instances, the defendant can claim that your injuries must not be severe because you failed to continue seeking treatment, and thus, the value of your injuries can drastically plummet. Additionally, they can claim that you are actually partially liable for the injuries you’ve sustained, as you failed to mitigate potential damages by obtaining the care you required. Your compensation can then be reduced by your percentage of fault in this matter.
Though it may seem easy to skip medical appointments as your injury progresses and you begin to feel better, this can hurt your personal injury case. As such, it is in your best interest to ensure you attend all appointments and carefully follow the advice of your provider.
In addition, you should connect with an experienced personal injury attorney with the Law Offices of Dale R. Gomes to discuss your circumstances. Our team can not only guide you through the process of filing a personal injury claim, but we can also help provide you with the best possible legal advice for your situation. When you need help fighting for the justice you deserve, our team is ready. Contact us today to learn more.
