Does Going to ER After Accident Increase Value of Personal Injury Claim?

Yes, going to the emergency room (ER) after an accident can significantly increase the value of a personal injury claim. Here's how it can positively impact your claim:

1. Immediate Documentation of Injuries

When you go to the ER immediately after an accident, your injuries are documented promptly. This creates a clear link between the accident and your injuries, which is crucial for supporting your claim.

2. Establishing the Severity of Injuries

Emergency room visits often involve comprehensive evaluations, including diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. These tests provide detailed evidence of the extent and severity of your injuries, which can justify higher compensation.

3. Professional Medical Testimony

ER doctors and healthcare professionals who treat you can provide medical reports and testimony about your injuries. Their professional opinions can carry significant weight in substantiating your claim and demonstrating the seriousness of your condition.

4. Showing the Urgency of Medical Attention

Seeking immediate medical care shows that your injuries were severe enough to warrant urgent attention. This urgency underscores the impact of the accident and can influence the perceived value of your claim.

5. Preventing Gaps in Treatment

Delaying medical treatment can lead to gaps in your medical records, which insurance companies may use to argue that your injuries are not as serious as claimed or that they were caused by something other than the accident. Going to the ER prevents these gaps and strengthens your case.

6. Supporting Claims for Pain and Suffering

The detailed medical records from an ER visit can help support claims for pain and suffering. They provide objective evidence of the pain and discomfort you experienced immediately following the accident.

7. Justifying Medical Expenses

ER visits are often costly, and including these expenses in your claim can increase its overall value. The medical bills from the ER provide concrete figures for the economic damages you are seeking.

8. Strengthening Negotiations

Having thorough and immediate medical documentation can give you a stronger position in negotiations with insurance adjusters or opposing counsel. It shows that you took your injuries seriously and sought appropriate care.

Conclusion

Visiting the emergency room after an accident can significantly enhance the strength and value of your personal injury claim. It provides immediate and detailed documentation of your injuries, supports the severity of your condition, and helps justify higher compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.