Adrenaline and delayed symptoms are common after a crash
After a car accident in New Mexico, it’s common to feel shaken but assume you’re “okay.” Adrenaline can mask symptoms of a serious injury, and some injuries, such as whiplash, might not be immediately apparent after a crash. That's why our law firm always recommends seeking medical attention after a crash, even if you're not experiencing pain right away.
A lot of crash victims delay medical care, try to tough it out, and hope the pain will go away on its own. Unfortunately, waiting to see a doctor after a car accident can end up hurting more than just your health; it can also damage your injury claim.
Insurance companies pay close attention to what you do after a crash. When medical treatment is delayed, they often use that as a reason to question your injuries, reduce your compensation, or deny your claim altogether.
Why do people skip the doctor after a car accident?
Many people delay medical treatment after a car accident for different reasons. Unfortunately, waiting to see a doctor can create problems later when it comes to an insurance claim, but some people may ignore or avoid the doctors due to:
- Pain not showing up right away
- Injuries that seem minor at first
- Busy schedules or work obligations
- Concerns about medical costs
- Belief that rest will solve the problem
Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries may not fully appear for hours or days. By the time symptoms worsen, insurance companies may already be building a case against you.
How do insurance companies use treatment delays against you?
Insurance companies rely on medical records when reviewing car accident claims, paying close attention to when treatment begins. If there is a delay, they may use that gap to raise questions about the injury or its connection to the accident.
- They question whether you were really injured: When you don’t seek medical care right away, insurers may argue that you weren’t hurt in the crash or that your injuries weren’t serious. They often claim that someone who was truly injured would have gone to the doctor immediately.
- They suggest something else caused your injuries: A gap in treatment allows insurers to argue that your pain came from another cause, such as work, daily activities, or a pre-existing condition, rather than the car accident.
- They downplay the severity of your injuries: Delays can make injuries look minor on paper, even if they’re not. Without early medical records, it becomes more difficult to show how the accident affected you from the start.
Why are medical records important for a car accident claim?
Medical records are one of the strongest pieces of evidence in a car accident claim. Seeing a doctor soon after the crash helps create a clear, documented link between the accident and your injuries.
Early treatment helps document:
- When symptoms began
- How severe the injuries were
- What treatment was needed
- How the injuries have affected your daily life
Without medical documentation, insurers often argue there’s “not enough proof” to justify full compensation.
What to do if you didn’t see a doctor right away
If you’ve already delayed medical care, it doesn’t mean your claim is lost. There are still steps you can take to protect yourself:
- Get medical care as soon as possible
- Be honest with your doctor about when your symptoms started
- Follow your treatment plan consistently
- Avoid gaps in care once treatment begins
- Speak with a car accident lawyer before dealing with insurance adjusters
The sooner you act, the better your chances of strengthening your claim.
A car accident lawyer can help you recover maximum compensation
At Szantho Law Firm, P.C., we understand how stressful life can be after a car accident, and how easy it is to put aside medical treatment. That's why our legal team proudly represents injured crash victims in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and across New Mexico
We know how insurance companies operate, and we’re not afraid to stand up to them. If you’ve been hurt in a New Mexico car accident and are worried that delayed medical treatment may affect your claim, contact us today for a free case evaluation. We’re here to explain your legal options and protect your rights.
"I could not be any happier with the professionalism and service I received from Andras and his team. He and his team handled this difficult time with care and respect. I will be recommending this law firm to all my friends and family should they ever need a lawyer." - Mark D., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐