Why Buffalo Car Accident Lawyers Recommend Medical Exams

Were you the victim of a traffic accident in upstate New York? As you may already know, it is in your best interest to consult a Buffalo car accident lawyer. This is especially true if you were injured in the accident. New York law entitles you to compensation for all your losses, including property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

However, do not be surprised if, when you first talk to your lawyer, they tell you to get a medical exam. They will recommend it even if you do not experience injury symptoms. Following their advice is also in your best interest. We will review the reasons in the following lines.

4 Reasons Why Buffalo Car Accident Attorneys Recommend Their Clients to Get a Medical Exam

1. To Assess Physical and Emotional Health

Some accident victims experience their first injury symptoms later. It could be hours, days, or even weeks after the accident. Convinced that they are well, many of them leave the accident scene, file damage-only compensation claims, or sign right-waivers.

As an accident victim, your priority should be to assess your health condition. If you are indeed safe and sound and a doctor confirms it, you may not even need the services of a Buffalo car accident lawyer. If you incurred any injuries, you want them diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

2. To Avoid Complications

Let’s say you are convinced that you got out of the accident unharmed and you refuse to see a doctor. Left untreated, your hidden injuries aggravate. You finally diagnose and treat them, and you include the medical bills in your car accident claim.

The defendant could refuse to pay part or all of your medical expenses. They can claim and prove that your injuries aggravated due to your own negligence. If your injuries leave you unable to work and you lose income, the loss is yours to cover as well.

By refusing to see a doctor immediately after the accident, you assume responsibility for any injuries you may have incurred and their consequences. Therefore, it is better to follow the advice of your car accident attorney and get a medical exam as soon as possible.

3. To Obtain Evidence

According to NY law, in civil cases, the burden of proof falls on the claimant. Thus, whether you sue the party at fault for damages or seek compensation from their insurer, you will need evidence. You will need to prove:

  • The cause of your injuries
  • The severity and repercussions of your injuries
  • The costs you incurred while treating those injuries
  • Any other losses related to your injuries (PTSD, lost wages, loss of affection or consortium, etc.)
  • Any pain and suffering you may experience as a result of your accident injuries

The results of your preliminary medical exam are the first step to acquiring the evidence you need. If you are injured, it will specify the cause and severity of your injuries. Depending on the situation, it may also include recommendations for time off work and further treatment and therapies. Any drug prescriptions, receipts, and further treatment referrals will work as well.

4.  To Better Assess Claim Value

When you claim compensation for your car accident, it is important to cover all your losses in the amount you claim. If you support your claim with solid evidence and follow procedures, you will probably receive a settlement offer. Once you accept it, there is no going back.

Therefore, you have to make sure the amount you claim is accurate, fair, and sufficient. The first step to it is assessing your injuries. This will allow you to assess treatment costs, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. You can claim these losses even if you have not yet incurred all of them.

Buffalo car accident lawyers have their methods to prove already-incurred expenses and estimate future ones. However, in order to do that, they will need to know what to expect and what to focus on, and a medical exam provides all the information they need.

Get Your Medical Report and Schedule a Consultation with an Experienced Buffalo Car Accident Lawyer

Now you know why all attorneys recommend medical exams and you understand the important of getting one. Once you have the results, go ahead and schedule a legal consultation. It is your best chance to obtain legal advice and answers to any questions you may have without paying.

At Buffalo Car Accident Lawyers, we will gladly review your police accident report and medical records to provide all the information you need. Call or fill in the contact form now and make the appointment for a date and time of your convenience!