Summary:
Skipping medical care after an accident can seriously damage your injury claim, even if you’re worried about costs. Minnesota’s no-fault insurance covers initial treatment, and many providers will work with you on billing. Without documentation, there’s no case to build.
If you’re hurt in an accident, skipping the doctor to avoid medical bills can wreck your claim before it even starts. It’s the kind of decision that feels like you’re saving money in the moment, but it’s the fastest way to end up with no compensation and no documentation to fight for it.
Insurance companies look at medical records as proof. No records? As far as the insurance company is concerned, your injury either healed or was never that bad.
Health Insurance Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect
You don’t need gold-plated coverage to get treated after an accident. Whether you have a high-deductible plan, basic coverage through the state, or no current insurance at all, there are still options. Minnesota’s no-fault system requires your own auto insurance to cover initial medical costs, even if you were a pedestrian or a passenger.
This coverage applies regardless of fault. Use it. It’s there to make sure you can get the initial care you need.
Delayed Care Kills Injury Claims
Waiting weeks to see a doctor gives insurers ammunition. They’ll argue your injury wasn’t serious or wasn’t caused by the accident at all. Even if you’re in pain, the lack of immediate care makes it easy for them to deny or reduce your claim.
If you’re hurt, see someone right away. Document it. Follow up. Consistent treatment shows the injury is real and ongoing, not exaggerated or invented.
Bills Can Be Negotiated or Deferred
Worried you can’t pay your portion? Some providers will delay billing if they know you’re pursuing a personal injury claim. Some work with third-party billing companies that wait until the case resolves. Others offer payment plans or discounts for upfront payments.
Talk to your attorney about what can be done about mounting medical bills and coverage issues. Find out what options exist to keep you on track. An experienced attorney can help you navigate this aspect of the claim and the options that you have to get the treatment you need.
Gaps in Treatment Send the Wrong Message
Stopping care too early or missing appointments can suggest you’ve recovered. That damages your credibility and lowers your potential payout. Insurers are trained to look for breaks in treatment as red flags.
Stick to your treatment plan. If you stop, make sure it’s because a medical provider said you’ve improved, not because you wanted to save money.
Don’t Try to “Tough It Out” Alone
Pain without documentation weakens a personal injury case. Telling yourself that the pain might go away may seem practical, but it won’t hold up against an adjuster with a checklist. You need a record of how you felt and what you did about it. Even if the injury seems minor, get it checked out without delay. Some soft tissue injuries don’t flare up until days or weeks later and, after a delay, it’s harder to connect them to the accident.
You don’t need perfect insurance to protect your rights after an injury. Melchert Hubert Sjodin, PLLP, has handled personal injury cases across Minnesota, and we know what works. Call (952) 442-7700 to talk to someone who’ll fight for your right to compensation.
