You just experienced a fender bender in New York traffic. Your car has a few dents, but you feel fine. You might be tempted to skip medical care and simply exchange insurance information. However, getting checked by a medical provider after even a minor car crash can help protect your health and support any future injury claim.
Why you may feel fine after an accident
Adrenaline is powerful. Right after a collision, your body releases stress hormones that can hide pain and other symptoms. You might feel fine at the scene but wake up the next day with neck pain, headaches or back problems. Conditions such as whiplash, concussions and soft tissue injuries do not always cause immediate symptoms.
Getting prompt medical care creates a record of your condition soon after the crash. That record can become important if your symptoms worsen over the next few days or weeks. Without prompt treatment, you may have a harder time showing that your injuries resulted from the crash rather than another cause.
How medical records can support your claim
New York uses a no-fault insurance system for most car accidents. This generally means your own insurance company pays eligible medical bills and lost wages up to your policy limits, regardless of who caused the crash. However, you need medical records to receive benefits through your Personal Injury Protection, or PIP coverage.
Insurance companies often question claims when there is a long gap between the crash and the first doctor’s visit. If you wait too long to see a doctor or do not tell your insurance company about the crash within 30 days, they can deny your benefits. You may still receive benefits if you can give a good reason for the delay.
The insurance company may also argue that your condition is not serious or is unrelated to the crash. Prompt treatment helps connect your injuries to the accident, which can help you strengthen your claim.
Deadlines for filing a personal injury claim
While New York’s no-fault system handles most minor accident claims, in many cases you have three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit if your injuries meet New York’s serious injury threshold. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to seek compensation.
Even though three years may seem like a long time, some conditions can worsen over time. This deadline becomes significantly shorter if a government or municipal entity is involved. Early medical records can strengthen your claim if you decide to pursue compensation later.
Why prompt medical care matters
After a minor car crash in New York, visiting a hospital or another medical provider might seem unnecessary. However, that decision can affect both your health and your ability to seek fair compensation. When in doubt, get checked out. A prompt medical evaluation can give you peace of mind and important medical records as you recover from the crash.