Call Us atGetting medical care following an accident is a key step in protecting your legal rights. Whether you are rear-ended on Bothell Way NE or involved in a high-speed crash on I-405, meeting with a doctor after a Bothell car accident can protect both your health and your right to compensation. A timely evaluation can uncover hidden injuries, begin a treatment plan, and create documentation that links your injuries to the accident.
After receiving care, consulting with a talented car accident attorney could help you understand your legal options and begin building a case for the compensation you may be entitled to.
The Importance of Seeking Medical Attention After an Accident
Here are some key reasons for meeting with a doctor after a Bothell car accident:
Treating Injuries
A licensed medical professional can assess injuries, diagnose conditions, and prescribe treatment.
Even if injuries appear minor, they could develop symptoms later and indicate a life-threatening condition in certain cases. For example, after high-speed collisions on busy routes, the force of impact can lead to internal injuries that aren’t immediately obvious. This risk makes it important to see a doctor regardless of the initial signs.
Gathering Evidence to Support a Case
Another reason to seek medical care after a Bothell accident is to collect evidence for a claim or lawsuit against liable parties. Medical records are among the most important in these cases.
These records could prove that the accident was the cause of the injuries and their nature, which could factor into proving liability and calculating damages. Waiting too long to receive care could make it harder to show how injuries resulted from an accident.
Beginning a Case Before the Statute of Limitations Passes
Injured individuals must file within the timeframe set by the statute of limitations or risk losing their right to recover compensation.
The statute of limitations for car accident injury lawsuits is three years from the date of the accident or injury discovery, according to RCW 4.16.080. Failure to file before that time passes will effectively prevent those injured from opening a case, with some exceptions.
What to Do After Receiving Medical Care
In addition to medical records, bills, and receipts, other forms of evidence could help support a claim or lawsuit. This may include:
- Witness statements
- Footage of injuries and the accident scene
- Reports from the Bothell Police Department
- Expert witness testimony, accident reconstruction, and more
Gathering as much evidence as possible could mean the difference between a successful and a lost case.
It’s also important to speak with an attorney with plenty of experience handling these types of cases. The right attorney will be able to review a case, determine liability, calculate damages, and collect and organize evidence to prove fault in a claim or lawsuit.
See a Doctor After Your Bothell Car Accident to Protect Your Health and Case
Meeting with a doctor after a Bothell car accident is one of the most important steps you can take to protect both your health and your ability to pursue compensation. Even if your injuries seem minor at first, a prompt medical evaluation can uncover hidden or delayed symptoms, help you begin a treatment plan, and create a clear medical record linking your injuries to the accident.
After seeking medical care, consult with a dedicated car accident lawyer to understand your legal options and begin building a strong case for compensation.
Contact us today to discuss your options during a free consultation.
