The Importance of Medical Evidence in a Car Accident Claim

 Posted on April 21, 2022 in Car Accident

Whether you were hit by a negligent driver while you were driving, riding as a passenger, on a motorcycle, or on foot, medical evidence is one of the most important things you are going to need to win. This is one of several reasons it is so often repeated that after a car accident, you should get medical attention whether you immediately believe that you are injured or not. The medical evidence of any harm done to your body is going to be incredibly important as your attorney attempts to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company - or in trial, if it comes to that. If you are involved in a serious accident, it is important that you consult an experienced attorney as soon as possible for further guidance.

Why is Seeking Immediate Medical Attention Important?

Aside from calling a lawyer, getting checked out by a medical professional immediately after the accident is one of the most important things that you can do. You might feel okay at the time, but not all injuries - even serious injuries - are readily apparent while you are still on the side of the road.

First, car accidents tend to cause an adrenaline rush. Adrenaline is a natural pain reliever. You might not notice pain from an injury until after the situation has calmed down. Second, injuries like those resulting from whiplash can take several days to manifest. A prompt medical evaluation can catch injuries that you yourself did not.

If you wait too long to go seek medical attention, it will be harder to prove that your injuries were caused by the car accident. If your case goes to trial, it can be difficult to explain why you waited to seek medical care if you were really hurt in the crash.

What Types of Medical Evidence Can Help My Case?

Any medical documentation that shows proof of your injuries is likely to help you. This can include:

• Test results - Results from an MRI, X-ray, or CT scan that show any damage can be used to support your claim.
• Diagnosis reports - The doctor who treats you is likely to list a diagnosis, which could be as simple as stating that you have whiplash. It could also be more specific, including broken bones or internal injuries.
• Appointment list - In most cases, you will have follow-up appointments or physical therapy of some type. A list of medical appointments you had to attend to address your car accident injury could be used to show that you did sustain injuries.

These are just a few types of medical evidence that are commonly introduced as evidence or used to support your claim during negotiations.

Contact a Larimer County Car Accident Attorney

If you were hurt in a car accident, Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. may be able to help you recover financial compensation. Our experienced Ft. Collins car accident lawyers will help you gather the evidence you need. Contact us at 970-225-2190 for a free consultation.

Source:

https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2019-court-rules.pdf