When most people get into an accident, they are told to seek medical care right away. Sometimes people do not try to get medical care right away, instead waiting until they notice signs of an injury. You can still pursue a personal injury case if you do this. You just need to be aware that the other side might try to use this delay in seeking care against you. That may seem silly, but a Long Island personal injury lawyer from our firm can advise you on what to do and help you build a case.
Can the Other Side Argue That I Didn’t Need Medical Care?
Yes, if you delay and do not seek medical care right away the other side might try to argue that you never needed care at all! This may seem like a ridiculous argument, but it can win with the right judge or jury because it looks like you did not treat your alleged injuries with any kind of urgency.
In reality, people go without medical care at the scene of an accident for many reasons. Some are concerned about the cost of an ambulance. Others have their adrenaline spiking and honestly do not feel like they are injured at all. Whatever your reasons for delaying medical care, they should not prevent you from seeking the compensation you deserve.
How Long Do I Have to Sue for Compensation?
If you do plan to sue for compensation, we always recommend acting quickly. You have three years to sue, which can seem like a long time, but we do not want you to miss your chance at pursuing compensation. Plus, the faster you begin pursuing legal action, the quicker you can get your settlement.
Can I Sue Even If I Was Partly at Fault for an Accident?
You should also keep in mind that you can sue even if you are partially at fault for the accident. In New York, the reward you get would be reduced based on how much you contributed to the accident. So if the court finds your 30% liable and you win a verdict of $50,000, your reward is reduced by 30% due to your fault. You would end up receiving $35,000 total.
What Can an Attorney Do for Me?
It is always helpful to have a personal injury attorney on your side in a case like this, but it could be especially beneficial in a case where you delayed getting medical care. The other side is really going to hammer that and try to create doubt about your injuries and your need for compensation. A lawyer from our firm can fight for you and defend you from any accusations of wrongdoing.
Talk to Our Legal Team
When you are ready to move forward with your case, contact Zlotolow & Associates, P.C. We are ready to schedule a consultation and go over the facts of your case.
