Car accidents in New Jersey happen in an instant, often leaving drivers and passengers shaken but seemingly unharmed. In the confusion, many people make the mistake of skipping medical care. They might believe they’re fine or worry about the cost of treatment. However, the next step after a crash should always be accepting medical care, even if you feel perfectly okay at the scene.
Let’s break down why this step is so critical for your health, your insurance claim, and your future recovery.
Why People Decline Medical Care After Accidents
It’s common for crash victims to refuse treatment because:
- They don’t feel immediate pain or symptoms.
- They assume injuries are “minor” or will go away on their own.
- They want to avoid hospital bills or insurance hassles.
- They’re eager to get home and move on with their day.
While these feelings are understandable, skipping medical care after a crash can be a costly mistake.
Hidden Injuries After Car Accidents
Adrenaline surges after a collision, often masking pain and making you feel better than you really are. Some injuries don’t present symptoms for hours or even days. Common hidden injuries include:
- Whiplash: Neck strain may not appear until the following day.
- Concussions: Head injuries can cause delayed headaches, dizziness, or memory issues.
- Internal bleeding: Damage to organs may not show visible signs right away.
- Back injuries: Herniated discs and soft tissue damage often develop gradually.
- Emotional trauma: Anxiety, nightmares, or PTSD symptoms can surface weeks later.
By the time these issues become obvious, untreated injuries may have worsened.
Similar Post: Can PTSD or Fear of Driving Be Part of a Car Accident Claim?
Why Accepting Medical Care Matters for Your Health
The most important reason to accept medical care is to protect your health. Early evaluation ensures that injuries are diagnosed and treated promptly, reducing the risk of long-term complications.
For example, untreated concussions can lead to lasting brain damage, and ignored internal bleeding can quickly become life-threatening. Even minor soreness may indicate a deeper problem that only medical testing can uncover.
How Medical Care Protects Your Legal Rights
In addition to safeguarding your health, accepting medical care protects your ability to pursue compensation later. Insurance companies often argue that if you didn’t see a doctor right away, you weren’t really injured. Delays in treatment give them an excuse to deny or undervalue your claim.
A medical record created immediately after the crash serves as evidence linking your injuries directly to the accident. Without it, proving that your pain, lost wages, or medical bills stem from the collision becomes much harder.
The Connection Between PIP Coverage and Medical Treatment
New Jersey drivers carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, which covers medical expenses after a crash, regardless of fault. However, to access these benefits smoothly, you need to document your injuries promptly.
If you refuse treatment at the scene or delay seeing a doctor, your insurer may challenge your claim or limit your coverage. Accepting care right away helps you make full use of your PIP benefits.
Steps to Take When Accepting Medical Care
If you’re in a crash, here’s how to make sure your medical care supports both your recovery and any future legal claims:
- Accept evaluation at the scene. Let paramedics check you, even if you don’t feel pain.
- Go to the ER or urgent care. A full exam can uncover hidden injuries.
- Follow up with your doctor. Schedule appointments for ongoing treatment and documentation.
- Keep records. Save discharge papers, prescriptions, and medical bills.
- Follow medical advice. Skipping recommended treatment can hurt both your health and your case.
These steps create a paper trail that strengthens your insurance and legal claims.
Similar Post: What’s the First Thing You Should Do After a Crash? Why Pulling Over and Calling 911 Matters
Common Excuses Insurance Companies Use
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. If you refuse or delay medical care, they may say:
- Your injuries were not caused by the accident.
- You exaggerated your pain for financial gain.
- Your injuries were preexisting or unrelated.
- You could have avoided complications by seeking care earlier.
Accepting medical care right away cuts off these arguments and makes your claim stronger.
Similar Post: What If Both Drivers Share Fault in a Car Accident?
Why “Feeling Fine” Can Be Misleading
Many accident victims walk away from a crash convinced they escaped injury. Hours later, stiffness sets in. Days later, headaches or back pain appear. By then, insurance companies may argue the injury came from something else, like work or exercise.
The gap between the accident and medical treatment can be the difference between a successful claim and one that gets denied. That’s why the safest course is always to get checked out immediately.
The Role of an Attorney After a Crash
Even when you accept medical care, insurance companies may still resist paying fair compensation. A personal injury attorney can:
- Review your medical records and accident report
- Work with doctors to establish the link between the crash and your injuries
- Calculate damages, including medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering
- Negotiate with insurers or take your case to trial if necessary
By combining medical evidence with legal advocacy, you can pursue the full recovery you deserve.
Call Camili & Capo Today if You Were Injured After a Car accident
If you’ve been in a crash in New Jersey, don’t make the mistake of skipping medical care, even if you feel fine. The next step after a collision is protecting your health and your rights by getting examined right away.
At Camili & Capo, we represent accident victims across New Jersey, including Fort Lee, Morris Township and Clifton, and help them secure the compensation they need for medical expenses, lost income, and long-term recovery. Our personal injury attorneys know how insurance companies operate, and we won’t let them dismiss or undervalue your claim.
With offices in Totowa, Newark, Hackensack, and New Brunswick, we are ready to stand by your side from day one. Call us today or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation. Let Camili & Capo fight for your rights while you focus on healing.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.
