If my friend and I got into a car accident, do I have to get checked out by a doctor?
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If my friend and I got into a car accident, do I have to get checked out by a doctor?
She was the one that was driving and I was the passenger. Another car crashed us. My friend got arrested for one day; they believe that her B.A.C was 0.08 and we are still waiting for her results. Her mom got a lawyer and the lawyer wants me to go to the hospital to get checked up but I don’t want to. Am I allowed to refuse even though I am a witness. I don’t want to go through that process.
Asked on April 15, 2014 under Personal Injury, California
Answers:
S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 10 years ago | Contributor
Although you can refuse to go to the hospital, it would be advisable for you to go and be checked because if you were injured in the accident, you will receive compensation for your injury. Sometimes the injury doesn't show up immediately.
If you were injured, you will receive compensation for the medical bills, compensation for pain and suffering, and if applicable, compensation for wage loss.
Compensation for the medical bills is straight reimbursement. Compensation for pain and suffering is an amount in addition to the medical bills and is based on the medical reports which document the nature and extent of your injury. Compensation for wage loss is straight reimbursement.
If you don't receive medical treatment, you won't receive any compensation because there won't be any documentation of your injury to support a personal injury claim.
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