Health first
Why getting treated right away matters
Short answer
See a doctor within 72 hours of a crash, keep every appointment until you're released, and tell each provider the crash caused your symptoms. Delays hurt your recovery, and insurers use them to argue your injuries aren't from the crash.
What is a "treatment gap"?
There are two kinds. A delay gap is the time between the crash and your first medical visit. A continuity gap is a break in care after you've started, such as weeks without therapy or a missed follow-up.
Consistent care
Crash: ER same dayReleased
Delayed, with a gap
3 weeks to first visit6-week break
The shaded stretches are what an adjuster will point to.
Why insurers care
- Causation. "If it hurt, why wait three weeks? Something else must have happened."
- Severity. "If they stopped going, they must have healed."
- Mitigation. "Skipping care made the injury worse, so we won't pay for that part."
What to do
- 1Get checked within 72 hours, even if you feel okay.
- 2Describe every symptom, even small ones, and say the crash caused them.
- 3Follow referrals and keep every appointment. If you have to cancel, reschedule right away.
- 4No health insurance? Ask about MedPay on your auto policy, or clinics that treat on a lien. An attorney can help you find care.
- 5Already have a gap? Don't give up. Go back to your doctor and explain why (work, cost, transportation). Honest reasons are documented and considered.
General information, not medical or legal advice. In an emergency, call 911. Reviewed by [ATTORNEY NAME] on [DATE].