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The Importance of Continuing Medical Care after a Car Accident

Car crash injuries are very difficult to diagnose and treat. Whiplash is a good example. The sudden motion of a car crash causes this head/neck injury. X-rays, MRIs, and other common devices often cannot detect whiplash. If promptly and properly treated, this injury is manageable and generally curable. But without prompt and proper treatment, it can cause severe injuries such as paralysis.

Continuing medical care after a car accident is not just important for health reasons. It’s also important for legal reasons. If the victim receives ongoing care, a Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney is better able to prove damages and obtain fair compensation. To learn more from a skilled lawyer, call David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer, P.A. using our online contact form.

What if I Don’t Have Money for a Doctor?

This question comes up a lot. Post-accident medical care is usually very expensive. For example, emergency care alone after a head injury could exceed tens of thousands of dollars. This figure does not include continuing medical care after a car accident, such as follow up doctor visits and physical therapy. Most families do not have the resources to pay these expenses.

Furthermore, many health insurance companies refuse to pay injury-related medical expenses. Even if coverage does apply, deductibles and copays alone can be overwhelming.

Insurance companies know that the victim is under financial pressure. So, in the days and weeks after a crash, representatives usually call constantly to demand settlement. Sometimes, it’s tempting to take these offers. But victims simply have no idea whether or not the offer is fair.

So, attorneys usually send letters of protection to medical providers. These letters guarantee payment when the case is resolved. Thus, the provider charges nothing upfront for continuing medical care after a car accident.

There’s more. Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys connect victims with doctors who are well-versed in this area. As mentioned, only highly skilled doctors can diagnose and treat whiplash and other such injuries.

Florida PIP Coverage

It is important to note that Florida PIP (personal injury protection) coverage is a first party policy that you own that will pay 80 percent of your medical bills after any deductible up to the policy limit. The state mandates a minimum of $10,000 for this coverage. This coverage will be at your availability immediately after the accident.

Medical Care and Settlement Value

Once medical care is at least substantially complete, settlement negotiations can begin in earnest. If an attorney settles the case too quickly, the settlement might not fully include all medical expenses. Since it is almost impossible to reopen closed cases, victims might have to pay these expenses out of their own pockets.

Medical bills are usually very solid evidence in both settlement negotiations and court hearings. These bills contain not only financial information, but also diagnosis and treatment information. Furthermore, medical professionals often add notes which indicate the victim’s pain and suffering.

If there is no dispute as to liability, Florida law usually requires insurance company to settle accident claims in a few weeks. However, there is usually at least some question as to liability. So, especially in complex cases, settlement might not happen quickly.

Resolving the Claim

The good news is that, in almost all cases, settlement does occur. In fact, out-of-court settlements resolve over 95 percent of all civil claims. The settlement usually includes compensation for both economic and noneconomic losses. Ongoing medical care helps an attorney more easily establish both kinds of damages.

If the case does not settle straight away, it usually settles during mediation. A neutral mediator, who is usually an unaffiliated Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney, works to facilitate a settlement between the victim and insurance company.

Mediation is usually successful, provided that both sides negotiate in good faith. In this context, “good faith” means that each side, particularly the insurance company, is willing to make sacrifices to reach an agreement.

Ongoing medical care is essential after a car accident. Continued care, especially physical therapy, helps victims fully recover. Additionally, the steady stream of medical bills helps determine the amount of compensation.

Call David I. Fuchs for Help Today

For a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney in Fort Lauderdale, contact David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer, P.A.. We routinely handle matters in Broward County and nearby jurisdictions. Contact us using our online contact form.

Client Testimonials

“…the settlement I received was much higher than anticipated”

Fuchs was my car accident attorney and was very responsive from the first call. I had medical care the next day and the whole process was smooth. They handled everything with the insurance companies and coordinated all of the necessary medical information. It was a long process and in the end the settlement I received was much higher than anticipated I am more than happy and grateful for the outcome.

Sean O.
Google Review
“Not only did I get the medical attention I needed but I was compensated handsomely.”

It’s been a long bumpy road to recovery but with David and his office’s help, we finally got it done! Through a great network of professionals, David Fuchs makes a good experience out of what could’ve been quite a headache. Not only did I get the medical attention I needed but I was compensated handsomely. Thank you!

Giovanni G.
Google Review
“…they didn’t settle for anything and my boyfriend and I got what we deserved.”

I got in an accident in December 2021 when everyone was short staffed and insurance companies was not responsive. My boyfriend reached out to David F. and what a life changing experience. We had the pleasure of having all our worries handed to professional help. They worked diligently on our case, answered questions when asked and kept us updated on changes. More importantly they didn’t settle for anything and my boyfriend and I got what we deserved. I have dealt with others in the past but David got me the most according to the facts presented and never backed down when the insurance companies tried to make us settle for less. Thank you David, Jessica and the team for all your effort and hard work. I will recommend them to family and friends. [They’re] the best in town!

Sheila N.
Google Review
“Best lawyer in Broward County”
Evans P.
Google Review
“Mr. Fuchs and his staff were very helpful.”

I highly recommend Law offices of David Fuchs. Mr. Fuchs and his staff were very helpful. The case was handled in a timely manner and I was always informed if there were any changes or updates with my case.

Velouse G.
Google Review
“Mr. Fuchs is one of the hardest working attorneys that I know.”

Mr. Fuchs is one of the hardest working attorneys that I know. He is really good at what he does and puts 110% in you case. I have been using him for 19 years now and refer all my friends to him. I can leave him alone with my case and not call him all the time. I know he is working hard in my case. When he has any information he calls me and we go from there. There are not a lot of attorneys I can do that with! If you have any Personal Injuries please do call him. You won’t be disappointed!!

Libby E.
Google Review
“I would definitely refer to this firm as the go-to Florida personal injury gurus.”

At first I was afraid…I was petrified! I truly was! But the extensive knowledge, patience and professionalism I received brought me not only such peace and assurance that I was in good hands, but we got through my case like shining stars! David made sure I understood exactly what, when, where, why and [answered] whatever question I had. I would definitely refer to this firm as the go-to Florida personal injury gurus.

Donna M.
Google Review
“They have a wonderful team.”

…took care of my well-being [and were] very informative about my situation. [T]hey were on the ball when it came down to settling…I highly recommend David.

Nicholas G.
Google Review
“My experience with David Fuchs was awesome.”

I got a really good return… thank you David Fuchs and staff for being so helpful and working so hard to help us, you are appreciated.

Yvette W.
Google Review
“This is a great law office.”

The David I Fuchs law office is a group of excellent people that helped to their fullest potential. They treated me with respect and I really appreciate that. This is a great law office.

Jonathan Z.
Google Review
“Never did I imagine myself getting into an accident.”

It has been an unexpected journey since stepping foot in Florida. Never did I imagine myself getting into an accident. I just want to thank the staff and all the support. The Therapy the doctors; you guys were awesome and made me feel better in my situation. This the first time I ever experience such a thing but I’m blessed , thankful and behind it all DAVID FUCHS who made it happen for me.

Sade P.
Google Review
“They helped tremendously!”

I would totally recommend David to everyone. They’re extremely professional and work in a timely manner. They helped tremendously!

A Boone
Google Review
“I highly recommend this man.”

A good man knows, his law 35 years experience. Will get the job done and help you and your family get compensated for you pain and damages. I highly recommend this man. I want to revisit my review and say that Mr. Fuchs always picks up his phone and answer any questions that may pertain to my case. Thank you, David.

N. Hit
Google Review
“He was able to settle my case with little to no trouble and did so in a very professional manner.”

David Fuchs was my car accident attorney. He was able to settle my case with little to no trouble and did so in a very professional manner. I would highly recommend him to others.

Samantha D.
Google Review
“…all went good and successful. thank you so much for all your help.”

I got into an accident for the first time and I didn’t know what do or how things works, but I was lucky to find a professional and helpful people to guide through this experience.
They did take care of my case all went good and successful thank you so much for all your help.

Karen G.
Google Review
“Very professional. Had no problems with communication”
Zuberi L.
Google Review
“He was there every time I called and got me a great settlement.”

I was in a car accident and looking for a professional, caring attorney.I was fortunate to find Mr. Fuchs, who helped me through the whole process. He was there every time I called and got me a great settlement.

Joan K.
Google Review
“My settlement was fast, fair and professionally handled.”

Had a car accident and needed an advocate to communicate my concerns through my insurance provider. The law office of David Fuchs, was efficient and thorough. My settlement was fast, fair and professionally handled. Would highly recommend giving this office a call if you need legal assistance.

Willie M.
Google Review
“A+++++ recommended.”

I want to thank the office of David Fuch’s. A+++++ recommended.

J. Hernandez
Google Review
“I could not have asked for a better team by my side.”

They were very helpful. I could not have asked for a better team by my side.

S. Rodriguez
Google Review
“They got me my settlement pretty quickly and worked hard on my case for me.”

I was in an accident mid last year and Mr. Fuchs handled my case and his case manager[s] Yessi and Jessica were very informative as to the process. They got me my settlement pretty quickly and worked hard on my case for me. Mr. Fuchs was extremely knowledgeable and informed me of everything that would happen in my case. I will recommend this firm to my family and friends and i will be using their services in future if need be.

Pastor D.
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