In New York, it is never technically “too late” to see a doctor after a car accident, but delaying treatment can negatively impact both your health and your ability to seek compensation. Ideally, you should see a doctor as soon as possible—even if you don’t think you’re injured.
Waiting too long can make it harder to prove that your injuries were caused by the accident, which can affect insurance claims and legal cases.
If you have not yet seen a doctor after a car accident, scheduling an appointment right away is in your best interest. Once you’ve seen a doctor, contact a Long Island car accident lawyer to pursue personal injury damages.
How Long do You Have to See a Doctor After a Car Accident in New York?
New York’s No-Fault insurance laws require you to seek medical care within 30 days of the accident to qualify for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, which is considered optional auto insurance. If you miss this window, your insurance company may deny coverage for medical expenses related to the crash.
However, this does not mean you cannot receive medical treatment after 30 days—it just becomes more challenging to have those costs covered under No-Fault insurance.
In some cases, exceptions may apply if you have a valid reason for delaying treatment, such as symptoms that appeared late or difficulty obtaining an appointment.
Even outside the 30-day window, it is still possible to file a personal injury lawsuit against an at-fault driver if your injuries meet New York’s “serious injury” threshold. A skilled car accident lawyer can help determine the best course of action based on your specific situation.
Why You Should See a Doctor Immediately After a Car Accident
Even if you feel fine after an accident, certain injuries do not show symptoms right away. This is especially true for:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries: Pain and stiffness can take days to develop
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries: Symptoms like dizziness and memory loss may not appear immediately
- Internal injuries: Damage to organs or internal bleeding can go unnoticed without medical evaluation
- Spinal injuries: Herniated discs or nerve damage may not cause immediate pain but can worsen over time
Seeing a doctor promptly helps identify injuries early and ensures you receive the necessary treatment before conditions deteriorate. It also provides medical records that serve as crucial evidence if you need to file a legal claim or seek compensation through insurance.
What Happens If You Wait Too Long to See a Doctor?
Waiting too long to seek medical attention after a car accident can have significant consequences. Insurance companies, medical providers, and even courts may question the legitimacy of your claim if there is a gap between the accident and your first doctor’s visit. The longer you wait, the harder it may be to connect your injuries directly to the crash.
Additionally, untreated injuries can worsen over time, leading to chronic pain or long-term health complications. Some injuries, like soft tissue damage or spinal injuries, may seem minor at first but can develop into serious conditions that require extensive treatment. Seeking medical care as soon as possible not only protects your health but also strengthens your legal claim.
Insurance Companies May Deny Your Claim
Insurance companies look for reasons to deny or minimize claims, and a delay in treatment gives them an opportunity to argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident. If too much time has passed, they may claim that your injuries resulted from another event or a pre-existing condition.
Proving Your Case Becomes More Difficult
If you decide to pursue a personal injury lawsuit, the success of your case depends on proving that your injuries were directly caused by the accident. The longer you wait to seek medical attention, the harder it becomes to establish a clear link between the crash and your injuries.
Your Injuries May Worsen
Some injuries that seem minor at first can develop into serious health issues if left untreated. Soft tissue injuries, for example, can lead to chronic pain if they are not properly managed early on. Internal injuries can become life-threatening without timely intervention. Seeing a doctor as soon as possible can prevent long-term complications and ensure you receive appropriate care.
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Can You Still File a Lawsuit If You Waited to See a Doctor?
Yes, but it depends on the circumstances of your case. New York law allows car accident victims to pursue a lawsuit against an at-fault driver only if their injuries qualify as “serious” under the law. This includes:
- Fractures: Broken bones
- Significant disfigurement: Scarring or visible damage that affects appearance
- Permanent loss of use: Loss of function in a body part or organ
- Permanent limitation: Lasting impairment of a body function
- Injuries preventing daily activities: Unable to perform normal tasks for at least 90 of the first 180 days after the accident
If your injuries meet this threshold, you may still be able to recover compensation even if there was a delay in seeking treatment. However, insurance companies and defense lawyers will likely argue that the delay weakens your case. Having medical records and working with an experienced lawyer can help counter these arguments.
How Levine And Wiss Can Help
If you’ve delayed seeking medical attention after a car accident, you may still have options for recovering compensation. At Levine And Wiss, we understand that injuries don’t always appear immediately and that insurance companies use delays as an excuse to deny claims. Our team is dedicated to fighting for your rights and ensuring you get the care and compensation you deserve.
With over 100 years of combined experience, we offer:
- 24/7 availability: Get help whenever you need it, including virtual consultations
- Direct access to attorneys: You’ll always be able to speak with a lawyer handling your case
- In-house investigators and medical experts: Strengthening your case with the right evidence
- No upfront fees: We work on a contingency basis, so you don’t pay unless we win
Don’t let a delay in treatment cost you your claim. Contact Levine And Wiss today for a free consultation, and let us help you protect your rights and secure the compensation you need.
