Don’t Wait To Get Treatment
There are a variety of claims you can make after a car accident. A claim will be based on what happens in a specific accident. For example, a claim will have multiple categories of claims if your car was damaged, or if you, your passengers, or anyone else is injured or hurt, and if you lose wages because you are unable to work as you recover from an accident.
Don’t Wait — Insurance Looks Poorly On These Things
If you want to be covered by insurance for an injury do not wait, get treatment as soon as you feel discomfort, pain, or stiffness. Waiting to get treatment only limits your ability to have your medical expenses covered.
It is also important to find a medical team that understands how to treat you for injuries specific to your accident.
Physical therapy, chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, and other healing modalities will make your recovery complete and long term. OTC drugs and prescription drugs may only mask the injuries and symptoms, helping you with short term pain, but never getting to the cause of the pain, stiffness, or discomfort.
You Can't Wait Forever
If you are injured or have any changes in how you feel it is wise to seek a consult or exam from a physician who is educated and knowledgeable in auto accident rehabilitation.
A family doctor often does not look for auto accident specific injuries and may recommend treatment that is insufficient for treating injuries fully.
When a doctor recommends IB Profen for 2 weeks and then tells you to follow up if there is still pain…they may not know what is needed to get you on the right path to healing, and feeling better.
Gaps in Treatment Affect Your Claim
Gaps in treatment, (1 week, 2 weeks, a month, or even more) can make a claims adjuster from the insurance company think you are not serious about treatment or you are not injured.
Make sure you are getting in for treatment no less than 1 time per week. You may also keep a journal of at-home exercises, stretches, and use of medicine. These all show consistent treatment as well. Mainly these are used when on vacation or when you are not in town for your regular treatment.
Bodily INjury Claims Must Be Filed within 4 years
Bodily injuries have 4 years to be handled in Utah. Other states, like Oregon, have a limit of two years, can have longer or shorter times allowed for treatment of injuries after an accident.
Make sure you know your policy coverage and state laws that your policy is issued in.
Depending on a few factors (location of the accident and state your policy is written out of) can alter the times allowed for bodily injury claims, and if you have any injury in an accident this time frame applies to you. It is also important that you have evidence and proof of injury and necessary treatment.
Limited Time to Get the Treatment You Need
In Utah, your insurance allows for your treatment and final settlement to be completed up to 4 years after your accident.
When you wait to get the treatment it delays your recovery and your ability to be complete with treatment in time for a settlement.
If your claim is not settled by this time then you will need to file against the insurance company that was at fault.
Why Get Care Now?
Getting treated immediately after an accident can help decrease the amount of time you need treatment and increase your likelihood of a full recovery. If you have had any changes in how your body feels after an accident those may be signs or symptoms of injury.
Getting checked out is the best thing to do. Getting checked by someone who deals with auto accidents is also going to allow you the best outcome. Many doctors may not know what to do with an injury from an auto accident. Most people suffer from whiplash, strain/sprains of muscles and ligaments, and concussions are quite common as well.
Start Feeling Better
Many times, even in low-impact accidents our bodies can be injured without fully knowing the extent of the pain. We encourage you to seek treatment directly after your accident so that you can start feeling better, and have an optimal recovery.
Prevent Long-Term or Chronic Pain
Once the stiffness, and soreness after an accident set in, it can be very uncomfortable. Even if you think you feel fine, we encourage you to get an examination to make sure. This will help you to prevent long term or chronic pain.
Less Hassle with Treatment Expenses
Getting medical treatment after an accident might seem like an obvious thing to do, but sometimes people worry about paying for treatment out of pocket. The longer you wait the harder it is to have your necessary medical expenses covered at no additional cost to you. However, if you are in pain it is still your right to get treatment and have your expenses covered.
What They Dont Tell You About Waiting…
Waiting impacts your ability to be covered under your claim.
It Hurts Your Ability to Be Covered – Did you know an excuse that insurance companies use to not cover a claim is when you delay care? Even though it can take days and weeks to feel the full effects of an auto accident you should not wait to get checked. When you go to get checked always tell your doctor what home care you have done. (Ice, Heat, OTC drugs, creams, sleeping more, and so on)
Insurance adjusters are the ones accessing if you get the coverage and compensation you need, are looking for ways to not cover your claim or your needs.
Makes it harder to Connect the Cause of Your Injury as Your Accident
Puts You At Risk for Long-Term Chronic Pain
Your Recovery Will Take Longer if You Wait?
Gaps in Treatment Effect Your Claim
Even small amounts of pain, discomfort, or stiffness can lead to long term and chronic pain if not treated correctly and right after an accident. It is much easier to make progress in your recovery when you start treating small amounts of pain, rather than waiting until the pain is too much to handle.
Other risks of waiting for treatment after a car accident include:
- Muscle Fibers Laying Down Scar Tissue
- Limited Ability to Recover & Fully Rehabilitate
LET’S GET
REAL
Looking for More Support Through the Process?
We know that sorting out what to do after an accident can be stressful. That is why we are here. To help you make the best choices because you have the knowledge and support you need to make the best choice for you and your family.
Let us know if you are looking for a specific resource and we will help you find the information you need. If we can't help you we will connect you with an Insurance Myth Approved provider for FREE.
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