After a car accident, injured victims face insurance adjusters who work to reduce their payout or even deny claims. Insurance companies consistently search for opportunities that allow them to reduce a payout.
When someone becomes injured in a car accident, should they refuse medical treatment? If a victim refuses medical treatment, could their refusal affect their claim? This guide will help injured victims understand why they should not refuse medical care after a car accident.
Does an Injured Car Accident Victim Have the Right to Refuse Medical Care?
Most states grant individuals full autonomy over their bodies. This law means individuals have the power to decide their healthcare and what happens to their bodies. Because of the laws regarding autonomy, individuals may refuse medical care, but should they?
Reasons a Car Accident Victim May Refuse Medical Treatment
Multiple reasons may cause a person to refuse medical care after a car accident. While refusing medical care does not always impede a person’s ability to receive fair compensation, it can. The following are some of the most common reasons accident victims refuse treatment.
Non-Serious Injuries
One of the most common reasons people refuse medical care is because they do not feel their car accident injuries require treatment. If a person has only suffered minor injuries, they may not seek medical care.
Unfortunately, shock can sometimes mask serious injuries. Some people have even died thinking they had no injuries after a car accident. In most cases, car accident victims would be wise to visit a doctor to check for unknown injuries.
Religious Refusal
Another common reason for medical treatment refusal is religious reasons. Although individuals undoubtedly may refuse medical treatment for religious reasons, this often leads down a slippery slope.
Insurance companies may deny claims when there are no medical records. Medical records are the primary source of proving measurable damages in car accident claims.
Deeply Held Beliefs
Some people are simply fearful of doctors. They may have a deeply held belief that prevents them from seeking medical care. As with religious refusal, car accident victims will have a difficult time proving their injuries without seeking medical attention.
Does Medical Treatment Refusal Negatively Affect a Car Accident Claim?
Refusal of medical care does not always negatively affect a car accident claim, but it may. Injured victims undoubtedly have rights regarding the refusal of certain medical treatments.
Injured victims who refuse basic medical care could experience an impact on their car accident claims. When someone refuses basic medical care, the insurance company is likely going to determine there are no injuries.
Individuals need to make sure they seek medical care right away, even if they believe their injuries are minor. Medical records showcase a person’s injuries. These records are critical for proving measurable damages from injuries.
Schedule a Consultation Appointment with an Injury Lawyer
Those who suffer serious injuries in a car accident need to be aware of their rights as injured victims. Individuals also need to consider the laws regarding car accidents in their states.
Scheduling a consultation with an injury lawyer is wise. Many injury lawyers offer free consultation appointments for injured victims who need legal advice.
A consultation appointment allows injured victims to learn about their rights and legal options. Working with a lawyer ensures injured victims have the legal advocacy they need to pursue compensation for their measurable damages.
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