The Collins Law Firm is proud to represent Illinois residents who have been injured in accidents caused by negligence. Whether you’ve been hurt in a car crash, workplace incident, or fall, one of the most important things you can do after the accident is to get a prompt medical examination.
Even if you feel fine at first, hidden injuries can surface hours or days later. A thorough medical evaluation not only protects your health but also provides critical documentation that supports your personal injury claim.
After an accident, adrenaline and shock can mask pain. Victims often underestimate their injuries, assuming they’ll heal on their own. Unfortunately, that delay can cause two serious problems:
Getting medical attention creates an official record connecting your injuries to the incident. This record becomes key evidence when negotiating with insurance companies or presenting your case in court.
Many serious injuries don’t produce immediate symptoms. Days or even weeks later, victims may start feeling pain, numbness, or dizziness. Common examples include:
A prompt medical exam helps doctors detect these injuries early — and provides clear documentation linking them to the accident.
In a personal injury claim, your medical records are evidence. They establish both the extent of your injuries and their direct connection to the accident.
When The Collins Law Firm handles your case, we use your medical documentation to:
Without medical evidence, even legitimate claims can be challenged or denied.
Insurance adjusters may contact you soon after an accident — sometimes before you’ve even seen a doctor. Their goal is to protect the company’s financial interests, not your recovery.
Common tactics include:
That’s why it’s critical to see a doctor first, then contact an attorney. The Collins Law Firm can handle all communication with insurers, ensuring you don’t say or sign anything that weakens your claim.
Depending on your injuries, several types of healthcare providers may be involved in your diagnosis and treatment:
Every visit generates documentation that supports your case and tracks your progress. The Collins Law Firm uses this evidence to build a clear, credible timeline of your injuries and treatment.
Be detailed and honest when describing your symptoms and the accident. Mention every area of pain or discomfort — even minor ones — and explain how your injuries affect your daily life.
Accurate reporting ensures:
If new symptoms develop after your first visit, schedule follow-up appointments and update your records.
In Illinois personal injury cases, compensation depends heavily on documented medical evidence. The more clearly your injuries and treatment are established, the easier it is to recover full damages.
Your medical records influence compensation for:
Failing to get a timely medical exam can reduce or even eliminate your right to these damages — especially if the defense argues your injuries were unrelated or exaggerated.
Illinois law gives accident victims two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, delaying medical treatment can shorten your effective window to build a strong case.
Hospitals and clinics also have record retention limits, which means waiting too long could make it harder to obtain documentation later.
The Collins Law Firm helps clients act quickly — coordinating with medical providers to secure records, billing statements, and expert evaluations before evidence is lost.
If you were injured in a car crash, medical documentation serves an additional purpose: proving the connection between your injuries and the collision under Illinois’ fault-based insurance system.
Even if you were a passenger or partially at fault, prompt medical evaluation supports your right to compensation. Insurers are far more likely to settle fairly when faced with detailed medical records from reputable Illinois physicians.
Many accident victims delay treatment because they:
Unfortunately, insurers often exploit these delays to deny claims. In many cases, the cost of early treatment is far less than the financial losses caused by untreated injuries or a weakened legal case.
For more than two decades, The Collins Law Firm has represented accident victims throughout Illinois — from Naperville to Chicago and across DuPage, Will, and Cook Counties. We understand that the aftermath of an accident is confusing and overwhelming. That’s why we handle both the legal and procedural details while you focus on healing.
Our attorneys work with trusted medical experts to ensure your injuries are properly documented and presented. We’ve built our reputation on fighting for full justice — not quick settlements.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, don’t wait to see a doctor — and don’t face insurance companies alone.
Call The Collins Law Firm today to schedule your free consultation. Our attorneys will review your situation, connect you with trusted medical resources if needed, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Get justice. Contact The Collins Law Firm now.
