What to Do (and What to Avoid) After a Utah Car Accident
If you’ve been injured in a Utah car accident, knowing what steps to take—and what to avoid—can significantly impact your recovery and your case. Following these guidelines will help ensure your health and legal interests are protected.
What You Should Do After a Car Accident in Utah
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention
- Go to the ER if necessary; don’t gamble with your health.
- Follow up with your primary care doctor for a comprehensive check-up to identify any hidden injuries.
- Follow Medical Advice
- Attend all recommended appointments. Missing visits can hurt your case and your recovery.
- Adhere strictly to the treatment plan provided by your medical providers.
- Choose the Right Specialist
- Ensure you’re seeing the appropriate doctor for your specific injury.
- For muscle or spinal issues, see a chiropractor.
- For a knee or shoulder injury, consult an orthopedic specialist or surgeon.
- Ensure you’re seeing the appropriate doctor for your specific injury.
- Hire an Experienced Utah Car Accident Lawyer
- Work with an attorney who specializes in personal injury cases, not someone juggling divorces, wills, and occasional accident claims.
What You Should Avoid After a Car Accident in Utah
- Skipping or Delaying Medical Treatment
- Delays in seeking medical care can harm your health and provide ammunition for insurance adjusters to argue against your injuries.
- Seeing the Wrong Doctor
- Don’t consult a dentist for a knee injury or a chiropractor for a shoulder issue. Specialists provide the most accurate diagnoses and treatments.
- Creating Gaps in Treatment
- Missing appointments or stopping treatment prematurely weakens your case. Insurance companies often interpret this as evidence that your injuries aren’t severe.
- Hiring the Wrong Attorney
- Avoid general practitioners who handle a variety of legal areas but lack expertise in car accident cases. Choose someone with trial experience in personal injury law.
Why These Steps Matter
Proper medical care and legal representation are essential after an accident. Following through on treatment not only improves your recovery but also strengthens your claim. Meanwhile, a skilled attorney ensures you have the best chance of securing fair compensation.
For personalized guidance and expert representation, CALL/TXT Jake Gunter at (801) 373-6345 for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Should I go to the ER after an accident if I don’t feel hurt?
Yes, injuries like whiplash or internal damage may not be immediately apparent. A medical evaluation is crucial for your health and legal case.
2. Why is it important to see the right type of doctor?
Specialists can accurately diagnose and treat specific injuries. Using the wrong doctor could delay recovery or lead to misdiagnosis.
3. What happens if I skip a medical appointment?
Gaps in treatment are often used by insurance adjusters to argue that your injuries aren’t severe or that you’ve fully recovered.
4. How soon should I hire a car accident attorney?
Hire an attorney as soon as possible after your accident. Early legal guidance ensures proper handling of evidence, medical records, and communication with insurers.
5. Can a general practice attorney handle my car accident case?
It’s not ideal. Car accident cases require specialized knowledge and experience to navigate complex legal and insurance processes effectively.
6. Is it okay to settle my case without seeing a doctor?
No. Settling without medical documentation of your injuries will likely result in a significantly lower compensation amount.
For expert legal advice, CALL/TXT Jake Gunter at (801) 373-6345 today!