How Will My Medical Treatment Affect My Car Accident Claim?
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Buffalo, your medical treatment plays a critical role in the final resolution of your claim. Basically, your claim will primarily revolve around medical costs, which will serve as the foundation for many other aspects of the case. Therefore, the details of your treatment can significantly impact your case.
The legal team at Steve Foley Law Firm advises that physicians are an important component of any personal injury claim. Hence, it is advisable to work closely with a car accident attorney in Buffalo to advise you on the right approach toward your medical treatment.
Read on to understand how your medical treatment may influence your car accident claim.
Ways in Which Medical Treatment Influences a Car Accident Claim
When it comes to medical treatment after an injury due to a car accident, there are many issues that are keenly considered. Industry reports show that about 20% of claims are denied, with most reasons linked to medical records. This is because medical treatment carries much weight when deciding the outcome of personal injury claims.
Here are the ways medical treatment can affect your car accident claim in Buffalo, NY.
Accurate Diagnoses
One of the most important factors in any car accident claim is a precise and thorough diagnosis of your injuries. After an accident, it’s essential to see a medical professional who can assess the full scope of your condition.
For example, a misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose certain injuries can weaken your claim, as it may appear that you’re not as injured as you claim. Your doctor’s diagnosis will set the foundation for your entire recovery process and influence the settlement you seek.
Medical Treatment Gaps
Consistency in medical treatment is often a key consideration by insurance adjusters. If you skip appointments or have long gaps between treatments, it is an opportunity for insurance companies to argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim. They may also suggest that your condition worsened due to a lack of proper care, reducing the compensation you might receive.
However, if you have valid reasons for gaps in your treatment, such as financial difficulties or scheduling conflicts, be sure to document these reasons and discuss them with your attorney to avoid harming your case.
Medical Records
Your medical records document the diagnosis, treatment plans, progress, and prognosis of your injuries. Insurance adjusters and opposing attorneys will carefully review these records to evaluate the legitimacy of your personal injuries.
Therefore, make sure to keep accurate records for appointments, prescribed treatments, and any other aspect of your medical care. Your Buffalo car accident attorney will rely on these records to prove your injuries and ensure that your claim reflects the severity of your injuries.
Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)
Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) occurs when your doctor determines that your condition has stabilized, and further improvement is unlikely. At this point, your attorney can more accurately calculate the full extent of your damages, including ongoing medical costs and any long-term impacts on your way of life.
It is advisable not to settle your claim before reaching MMI. This is because it could result in insufficient compensation for your claim. Most likely, at this time, the future medical needs may not be fully accounted for.
Seek Guidance From a Buffalo Car Accident Attorney Now
Your medical treatment plays an instrumental role in shaping the outcome of your car accident claim. To protect your rights and secure fair legal recovery, it’s in your best interest to work with a Buffalo car accident attorney.
At Steve Foley Law Firm, our legal team has one mission, to guide you through the legal process, which involves documenting medical treatment as key evidence. Contact us today to discuss your case and learn how we can assist you in securing proper compensation for your post-accident losses.