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If you’ve been in a traffic collision in Nebraska, you might be wondering when is it too late to go to the doctor after a car accident. Legally, it is essential to see a doctor as soon as possible. The medical records may be significant legal evidence. However, your physical health should be your primary concern. When is it too late to go to the doctor after a car accident?
A primary care physician can conduct an examination to determine whether you have suffered serious injuries you might not be aware of. For example, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) lists motor vehicle crashes as a common way for people to suffer a traumatic brain injury. An injured person may not even know the extent of the harm without seeking medical attention. Furthermore, promptly seeing a doctor creates a documentary link between your injuries and the accident. This makes it harder for a liable insurer to dispute your injuries or their connection to the accident.
Mueller Schmidt Mulholland & Cooling encourages Nebraska car accident victims to seek medical attention immediately. Although you should see a doctor immediately after the accident, seeing one later is still helpful for a potential lawsuit. Seeking immediate medical treatment is crucial for your health, as well as documenting your injuries for insurance claims and establishing a link between the accident and the injuries.
How Common Are Car Accident Injuries in Nebraska?
In 2020, the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) estimated that there are about 30,000 car accidents annually in Nebraska. These accidents have resulted in between 14,000 and 18,000 injuries annually over the last decade.
The aftermath of a car accident is traumatic for victims. Car crash victims have many immediate concerns about property damage and insurance issues. The initial confusion of the situation can often mask physical injuries because accident victims are just too overwhelmed with other things that are happening. However, “feeling okay” now does not mean that the accident victim has not suffered a severe injury.
When Is It Too Late to Go to the Doctor After a Car Accident?
So, when is it too late to go to the doctor after a car accident? Going to the hospital immediately after a car accident is best, even if you don’t feel injured. Prompt medical attention can identify hidden injuries and provide documentation for your claim. Delaying medical care can complicate your recovery and weaken your legal case.
How long after a car accident can injuries appear? When is it too late to get an X-ray or other medical tests? While some injuries from a car accident are immediately apparent, others take days to weeks to manifest themselves. Common injuries like whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue injuries might not show symptoms right away. Seeing a doctor as soon as possible ensures early diagnosis and treatment.
How long do you have to go to the hospital after a car accident? If you’ve been involved in a car accident, failing to seek medical attention immediately can complicate your claim, but it doesn’t eliminate your right to fair compensation. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help demonstrate that your injuries are directly related to the accident, regardless of the timing of your medical care. They can review your medical records and consult with medical professionals or experts to establish the link between the accident and your injuries.
Statute of Limitations for a Car Accident in Nebraska
The statute of limitations is when a party must file a claim for an accident. Nebraska Revised Statute 25-207 states that the statute of limitations for most car accidents is four years from the accident date. You have four years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit in Nebraska. However, there are exceptions to this rule. The statute of limitations for a minor is four years from the date of their majority.
A skilled attorney can alert clients if their case falls within the exceptions. Clients should not delay medical care because the documents will improve their case.
Need for Medical Evaluation
How long after car accident can you go to hospital? People sometimes forego immediate medical care because they do not feel their injuries are severe. However, this can be a dangerous mistake. Some injuries may not immediately manifest symptoms, and medical care may be necessary to ensure that clients do not have latent injuries.
Latent injuries are severe healthcare complications that can appear days or weeks after the initial accident. The adrenaline rush that overtakes the body during the incident is often the cause of the delayed pain. The adrenaline causes people to underestimate it when they feel pain. Car crashes can cause various latent injuries.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) vary in seriousness. Mild concussions, while typically not life-threatening, can still have lasting effects on cognitive function. Moderate or severe TBI may result in life-long health problems or death. According to the CDC, moderate or severe TBI is a lifelong condition that may result in overwhelming medical bills.
- Back injuries and spinal cord injuries often go untreated because initial symptoms could appear as headaches, numbness, or an upset stomach. However, without prompt intervention, these could worsen into painful, debilitating, and even life-altering complications like paralysis.
- Whiplash, as The Mayo Clinic defined, is a neck injury caused by the forceful back-and-forth movement of the neck, like the crack of a whip. Whiplash tends to heal after a few weeks of treatment, but some patients experience long-term complications. The rush of adrenaline during an auto accident may mask the immediate pain of whiplash; symptoms usually appear within a few days and include neck pain, stiffness, dizziness, and headaches. It is essential to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible to start a treatment plan.
- Internal injuries such as organ damage or failure are impossible to diagnose without medical intervention but can be deadly if left untreated. Broken bones and internal bleeding can also happen. Accident victims should seek treatment as quickly as possible to learn if they have an internal injury.
Contact Mueller Schmidt Mulholland & Cooling to Discuss Your Options
When is it too late to go to the doctor after a car accident? Time limits for filing a lawsuit can be confusing, but car accident attorneys in Omaha, Nebraska know how to work within these deadlines to protect your right to seek compensation. Don’t delay seeking medical care after a car accident in Omaha. It’s essential for your health and legal rights in personal injury claims. Once you’ve sought medical attention, get in touch with Mueller Schmidt Mulholland & Cooling immediately. Our firm can help you handle the complicated process of filing a claim and prove the extent of your injuries. Our team of car accident lawyers can also demand fair compensation for what you’ve suffered. Contact us at 402-999-9000 to discuss your case and get a free consultation.
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