Los Angeles is home to more than 150,000 motorcycles and as a result of their small profile making them harder to see, accidents involving these vehicles are far too common.
While only 3% of registered vehicles are motorcycles, they make up 14% of all deaths due to traffic accidents. It is not unusual for the victim of a motorcycle accident to suffer numerous injuries, some of which may be severe.
However, not all riders choose to seek medical attention right away. Some may not have access to medical treatment, while others may not immediately feel they are badly hurt.
Motorcycle accident attorneys in Los Angeles, CA continue to stress the significance of seeking prompt medical care. Failure to do so can have a negative impact on long-term health and on personal injury claims made after the accident.
Why Prompt Medical Attention Is Vital
Seeking medical care after a motorcycle accident is one of the most important decisions a rider can make. The county of occurrence should be notified of the accident, and first responders may arrive at the scene during this time.
However, even if no care is provided on-site, it is still important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after the incident—ideally the same day. If an ambulance is not called to the scene, go to the emergency room or urgent care immediately upon leaving.
Safety and Health
The most important aspect of medical treatment after a motorcycle accident is to ensure the safety of the parties involved. Injuries may not be immediately apparent, although some injuries will need to be treated promptly.
In the absence of visible, external injuries, affected parties should be examined by a doctor as soon as possible to rule out internal injuries.
Long-Term Recovery
Seeking immediate medical attention after a motorcycle accident can mitigate the long-term consequences of any injuries. For instance, whiplash can result in chronic pain and movement difficulties if treatment does not begin as soon as possible, and ideally within the first 48 hours after the injury.
Some instances of whiplash and other sudden twisting movements associated with motorcycle accidents can lead to nerve damage that requires physical therapy over an extended period of time to restore function to the extremities and reduce lifelong pain.
Potential Damages
One significant reason to be examined by a doctor immediately after a motorcycle accident is to fully capture the scope of potential damages.
If an accident victim waits to go to the doctor until after their insurance or legal team begins recovering damages in their case, the costs of those treatments may not be clawed back from the other party.
Seeking medical attention quickly ensures that as much of a person’s healthcare and treatments are included as possible when filing a claim.
These decisions may impact the potential compensation for the motorcycle accident and help make the victim(s) whole for healthcare costs, pain and suffering, as well as long-term physical therapy and rehabilitation.
Preservation of Evidence
Being assessed by a doctor promptly after an accident also preserves evidence. If lacerations, bruising, broken bones, or other injuries are reported immediately, the doctor can document these wounds, take pictures and measurements, and secure the evidence to be used in the claim.
Waiting for medical treatment may allow bruises and scrapes to heal, preventing the doctor from understanding the full extent of the injuries and limiting an accurate recreation of the scene.
If possible, both the injured party and the doctor should document as much as possible. If you have been in a motorcycle accident, take photos of your injuries while you await medical treatment.
Claim Filing Deadlines
In cases of personal injury due to a motorcycle accident, involved parties are bound by a statute of limitations that restricts how long after the event they may file a claim.
In California, the statute of limitations is two years from the date on which the accident occurred. Thus, it is important to seek medical attention right away to ensure that all relevant claim material can be submitted within the proper time frame.
Seek Medical and Legal Assistance After a California Motorcycle Accident
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, recovering and ensuring your safety is the priority. Do not delay being examined by a medical professional; failure to promptly evaluate your injuries and secure evidence can have significant consequences on your accident claim later.
The attorneys with Lehr Law will help you petition for the best-case scenario for your specific case. Contact Lehr Law to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.