Some accidents only cause minor property damage. Others result in devastating injuries that require emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and time off work to recover. Our Redlands personal injury lawyers are here to help accident victims pursue the compensation they need to get their lives back. We are proud to have helped more than 5,000 clients navigate the claims process. Our attorneys have won more than $300,000,000 in settlements and verdicts, yet they are still dedicated to providing the personal touch of a small, neighborhood practice. To speak with a member of our team, call our office today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS.

What Kinds of Injury Claims Does Harris Personal Injury Lawyers Accept in Redlands?

• Motorbike Crashes
• Car Accidents
• Public, Tour, and Other Bus Accidents
• Semi-Truck Accidents
• Scooter Injuries
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Bicycle Accidents
• Burn Injuries
• Brain Trauma
• Spinal Injuries
• Slip and Falls
• Premises Liability
• Accidents Involving Turo Vehicles
• Boat Accidents
• Train Wrecks
• Rideshare Vehicle Accidents
• Dog and Other Animal Attacks
• Airplane Accidents
• Wrongful Death
• Other Personal Injuries

How Soon Should I Visit a Doctor After Suffering a Personal Injury?

Most people have busy schedules and are reluctant to take time out of their day to visit a doctor—especially if their injuries don’t seem that serious. If the at-fault party had insurance and admitted fault, you may even think that undergoing a medical evaluation isn’t necessary. The truth, however, is that delaying your evaluation is one of the worst mistakes you can make if you intend to file a personal injury claim. The best time to visit a doctor is immediately after you leave the scene of the accident. The sooner you consult a physician, the better. Here are just a few reasons why this is so important:

• The Insurer Will Want to See Official Documentation: Simply telling the insurance company that you’ve suffered whiplash or another injury won’t be enough to secure a settlement. You’ll need documentation to demonstrate the kinds of injuries you’ve sustained and their severity. This documentation will also be needed during settlement calculations.
• You’ll Have to Tie Your Injuries to the Accident: To win a settlement, you’ll need to prove liability, causation, and damages. Even if you can prove the defendant was negligent and that you suffered damages, you won’t be able to obtain a financial award unless you can demonstrate causation. Getting a prompt diagnosis is one of the best ways to do so. If you delay your diagnosis, the insurer might try to argue that your injuries were caused by something else. This is especially true if you had a pre-existing condition.
• Minor Symptoms May Indicate a Serious Condition: Whiplash, brain trauma, and internal injuries can all present minor or latent symptoms. If you decide to forego the medical assessment under the assumption that your injuries aren’t severe, you might run into problems if you find out later that you have a serious condition. The insurer might argue that if your injuries were as serious as you’re claiming, you would have had no choice but to visit a doctor. If such a dispute arises, our Redlands personal injury lawyers can perform an investigation and perhaps consult with medical specialists to find out if a reasonable person might have put off their evaluation due to latent symptoms. In other words, just because you delayed getting a diagnosis doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t be able to recover compensation for 100 percent of your damages, but it might increase the chances of facing a dispute.
• Delaying Treatment Could Allow Your Injury to Progress: Some injuries can become far worse and perhaps result in permanent complications if left untreated. The sooner you get a diagnosis, the better your prognosis may be.
• You Have a Duty to Mitigate Your Damages: Besides protecting your health, this is probably the most important reason to undergo an immediate evaluation. If your injuries progress because you delayed treatment, the insurance company might argue that you’ve failed to mitigate your damages. In the state of California, the financial award in a personal injury case can be reduced if the claimant’s own negligence contributed to his or her damages. As such, if you aren’t diligent about getting a diagnosis and following the instructions of your healthcare providers, it could affect the outcome of your case.

If you’re concerned about the cost of medical care, our Redlands personal injury attorneys may be able to help. Even if you don’t have health insurance, some providers may be willing to administer treatment on a lien basis—meaning that you won’t have to pay for the medical services rendered until your case has been resolved. Our lawyers can evaluate your situation and help you determine how to get the best care possible.

Call 1-800-GO-HARRIS to Speak with a Personal Injury Lawyer in Redlands

We’re available 24 hours a day to take your call. Dial 1-800-GO-HARRIS to set up a free case assessment, or send us a message using our Contact Form.