After you have suffered through an accident, it may seem like a hassle to go seek medical attention if you believe you have little to no injuries. However, this is a vital step to take if you are to pursue a personal injury claim. Continue reading to discover the importance of receiving medical attention to treat your injuries and how an experienced Ontario personal injury lawyer can help you with collecting the proper evidence for your claim.
Why is medical attention necessary to confirm my injuries?
At the scene of the accident, the police will likely call for medical attention on your behalf, and you should allow them to attend to you as soon as possible. Even after the commotion of the accident, you should go to the hospital independently to receive any treatment necessary, and collect any and all bills and documents throughout the process. Seeking medical attention for your injuries caused in an accident will significantly benefit your personal injury case for the following reasons:
- You need to satisfy the burden of proof: you need evidence to back up the statements you make in your personal injury claim. So even if you accurately self-diagnose your injury without speaking to a medical professional, you do not have the medical documentation necessary to obtain compensation.
- You need to establish causation: The longer you wait to see a medical professional after an accident, the easier it is for the other party’s insurance company to argue that the accident did not directly cause your injury.
- You need to prove the severity: By waiting to see a medical professional, you invite the jury, judge, and insurance company to question the seriousness of your injuries.
- You need to maximize your settlement offer: If you do not seek medical attention, you do not understand the full extent of your injuries and what your future medical costs will be. In turn, you may accept a settlement that does not cover the full extent of your expenses. And once you accept a settlement, you cannot go back and ask for more later.
Overall, the urgency of acquiring medical assistance is highlighted by the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Toronto, which is generally two years from the date of your accident.
It is also important to note that if you were injured in a car accident, Ontario has no-fault car insurance, which may require you to show proof of timely medical treatment to receive the compensation. For more information on this, do not hesitate in reaching out to a skilled Toronto car accident lawyer today.
Contact Our Experienced Toronto Personal Injury Firm
If you have been injured in an accident due to no fault of your own, you need a lawyer who truly cares about your best interests. Contact a Toronto Personal Injury Lawyer at Merricks Law Group today.
