Car Accident? Do Not Be Ashamed Or Embarrassed To Seek Medical Treatment Or File A Claim For Damages.

As a personal injury attorney, I am still amazed by how many people are ashamed or embarrassed to seek medical treatment or to file a claim for damages following a car accident.

Here is a common interaction I have with potential new clients:

New client:      Hi, I was involved in a car accident.  Luckily, I’m not “REALLY” hurt

Me:                  Not “REALLY” hurt?

New client:      Yes, I’m not in a wheelchair or anything?  No broken bones.

Me:                  In a wheelchair?

New client:      Yes, I only have some numbness in my fingers and toes and I can’t sleep.   I’ll be ok.

Me:                  Did you have numbness in your fingers and toes before the crash?

New client:      No.

Me:                  Could you sleep before the crash?

New client:      Yes.

Me:                  Aren’t you worried about that?

New client:      Yes.

Me:                  What happens if that pain doesn’t go away?

New client:      I would be upset.

Me:                  Then what does it matter if you’re “REALLY” hurt or not?

New client:      Well, I don’t want to be “one of those people”?

Me:                  “One of those people”?

New client:      Yes, “one of those people” who just sue for no reason?

Me:                  Are you hurt?

New client:      Yes.

Me:                  Then you are not “one of those people”.

Shouldn’t you be compensated for your medical bills and pain and suffering?

New client:      Yes, but “I’m not the “suing” type”.

Me:                  Let me worry about that.    Just worry about getting your life back on track.

New client:      Ok.

Repeat after me:   Do not feel bad for seeking compensation for your injuries after a car accident that is not your fault.

The other party will not feel bad for you 2 weeks, 2 months, or 2 years from now when you are still suffering from neck and back pain.  You are the one that has to deal with the pain – not them.  Why do you feel bad for them?

Also, back and neck pain can be a life-long problem.  Whiplash is not a joke.   “Soft-tissue injuries” are not a joke.   Cuts and bruises go away over time.  Broken bones heal.   Back and neck pain can be permanent.

Do not be embarrassed or ashamed from being “made whole” after a crash.    You are not seeking a windfall.  You are seeking what was taken away from you.  The at-fault party is responsible for your past and future medical bills, past and future lost wages and past and future pain and suffering / loss of enjoyment of life.  Pain and suffering / loss of enjoyment of life can be the largest component of damages.

For example:

• Should you be compensated for not being able to play golf without pain?
• Should you be compensated for not being able to lift your daughter in/out of her crib without pain? Yes.
• Should you be compensated for now having neck and leg pain when you sit at your desk for too long?
• Should you be compensated for being unable to sleep without waking up in the middle of the night with pain?

Finally, if you do not file a claim now you will be out of luck in the future.    We get calls all the time from people who call us 30 … 60 … 90 days after a car accident asking if they can now file a claim.    Usually these people are out of luck because they did not seek timely treatment.

Want to know your rights following a car accident?   Speak now with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys.  It is a free consultation.  No pressure.  No obligation.