If you’ve recently been involved in an auto accident and suffered injuries as a result, it’s crucial that you seek medical treatment right away. Why? Because as far as the insurance company, judge, or jury are concerned, no treatment equals no injury. However, a widespread misconception often prevents people from getting the care they need. Insurance companies would have you believe that seeking medical treatment will result in doctors taking all your settlement money. In this blog post, we’ll debunk this myth and explain why you shouldn’t let this false notion stop you from getting the medical care you deserve and ultimately maximizing the value of your case.
THE REALITY OF TREATING INJURIES AND INSURANCE CLAIMS
To establish your personal injury claim, you must demonstrate that you sustained injuries and made efforts to recover. Simply put, if you don’t have it documented in your medical chart, the insurance company won’t acknowledge it. Consequently, they use any gaps in treatment or insufficient treatment to undervalue your claim, placing them in control of the settlement process.
Essentially, avoiding medical treatment due to fear of the costs does not save you money but transfers it back into the insurance company’s pockets. This shift is even more significant when you consider settlements that do not reach the full policy limits. In such cases, any money not used for medical treatment will never reach you, but will instead return to the insurance company.
A Real-World Example
To better illustrate this point, let’s consider a hypothetical scenario. Imagine a client who has a personal injury case resulting from a serious accident. The at-fault driver’s insurance policy covers up to $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident. This client also has underinsured motorist coverage, bringing her potential recovery amount up to $150,000.
However, influenced by misconceptions and fear of accruing medical bills, the client opts to limit her medical treatment and prematurely settle the case. The settlement might look like a win initially, but an enormous portion of the insurance money remains untouched. In attempting to avoid paying medical bills, the client inadvertently leaves a substantial amount of compensation unclaimed, favoring the insurance company instead.
The Importance of Appropriate Treatment and Documentation
A crucial factor in your personal injury case is the need for proper documentation of your injuries. It is vital to remember that insurance companies, who don’t know you personally, won’t trust that you’re hurt simply because you say so. A doctor’s diagnosis, clinical assessments, and a thorough record of your treatment journey are necessary to establish your claim’s legitimacy and worth. Even significant injuries like paralysis require medical documentation; otherwise, they won’t be acknowledged.
It’s also important to be aware that every accident case is unique. The facts of one case cannot be replicated onto another. Thus, personal injury claims need to be evaluated individually, factoring in unique circumstances and impacts.
At The Burrell Firm LLC, our priority is to help our clients understand the full scope of their case. If the available insurance money is not enough and your medical bills threaten to cut into your compensation, we will inform and advise you. You’re in control, and we believe you should have all the necessary information to make the best decisions for your case.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, seeking appropriate medical treatment after an accident isn’t just about your physical recovery—it’s a critical part of proving your injury claim and maximizing your compensation. Don’t let insurance company misconceptions deter you from pursuing the treatment you need and the settlement you deserve.
If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, get in touch with an experienced personal injury attorney who can guide you through the complexities of your case.
Contact a New Orleans Personal Injury Attorney for More Information
If you’ve been injured in an auto accident in New Orleans, call us today at (504) 475-7578 to schedule a free initial consultation. An experienced lawyer from The Burrell Firm LLC can advise you and help you determine how much your case is worth.
Contact a Ruston Personal Injury Attorney for More Information
For those who’ve been injured in an auto accident in Ruston, reach out to us at (504) 475-7578 to arrange for a free initial consultation. Let our experienced Ruston lawyers from The Burrell Firm LLC help you navigate your case.
Contact a Monroe/West Monroe Personal Injury Attorney for More Information
Injured in an auto accident in Monroe/West Monroe? Call us today at (504) 475-7578 to schedule a free initial consultation. Our seasoned lawyers from The Burrell Firm LLC are here to help you determine the value of your case.
