Following a car accident, an individual can be left with injuries and losses that can impact all areas of their life. Depending on the extent of their injuries, they may be unable to return to work in the immediate or long-term, resulting in a loss of income which may lead to financial difficulties. In addition to physical injuries, they may also experience mental and emotional issues such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress, which can greatly diminish their quality of life. If you are seeking assistance with your car accident claim, consulting an experienced lawyer for accident claim can help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
In many cases, individuals may be entitled to compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses by filing a personal injury claim against the party responsible for their accident.
Amongst other types of evidence, medical evidence is essential in building a strong case and can help a claimant prove the nature and extent of the injuries they sustained. In this article, we will take a closer look at the role medical evidence plays in car accident claims, helping claimants gather sufficient evidence to support their claims.
Why Medical Evidence Matters
Medical evidence is highly persuasive in car accident claims, as it serves as objective proof from a credible and trustworthy source regarding the injuries an individual has sustained following their accident. In a car accident claim, medical evidence serves in the following ways:
- Establishes causation: For an individual to succeed in their claim, they must prove a direct link between the injuries they suffered and their accident. This necessary element of causation is often challenged by insurance companies, which argue that the claimant’s injuries arose from a pre-existing health condition. By seeking medical attention immediately after a car accident, a claimant not only safeguards their health but also establishes a clear record linking their injuries to their accident.Â
In contrast, delaying medical attention can also lead to assertions that a claimant’s injuries were not that serious or were caused by an unrelated accident. This site offers more information on the frequently asked question, ‘When is it too late to go to the doctor after a car accident?’
- Demonstrates severity of injuries: In attempts to limit their liability and the amount of money they pay out, insurance companies will often try to minimize the extent of the claimant’s injuries. By seeking prompt medical attention, a claimant can present the other side with a detailed medical history which documents the cause of their injuries, the medical treatments received and their prognosis for their ongoing care and treatment. By doing so, they can refute assertions that try to downplay their injuries and demonstrate the full extent of the injuries they sustained.
- Assesses damages: By documenting the nature and extent of the claimant’s injuries, medical evidence can ensure claimants are adequately compensated for both their immediate and future medical costs. By taking into account factors such as the impact their injuries may have on their ability to return to work and the need for ongoing personal care, an award for damages can be calculated that accurately reflects the full extent of the claimant’s losses and needs. If you are seeking assistance with your car accident claim, consulting an experienced lawyer for accident claim can help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
For these reasons, medical evidence plays a crucial role in helping claimants receive the compensation they deserve following a car accident.
