Should I See a Doctor After a Car Accident?
Make sure you protect your health and your legal rights.
Car accident injuries can be minor or severe. Although many people walk away from crashes feeling unhurt, delayed pain and hidden injuries could very easily be present. That’s why an important step toward recovery is getting medical attention right away.
Recovery and treatments can be extensive and expensive. Many injuries may leave you unable to work. At The Law Offices of John S. Williams, we know the true and fair compensation you deserve. Our legal team only fights for the maximum compensation for our clients. Contact us today to talk to a car accident lawyer about your rights.
Do I go to the emergency room or urgent care?
Even after a minor car accident, you should still go see a doctor. Whether you go to the emergency room at a hospital or urgent care, what’s important is you seek medical attention. If you believe you have a serious injury that could be life-threatening, you should go to the ER. An ambulance may bring you to the hospital from the scene of the accident if emergency services are called. If you didn’t go see a doctor immediately after your accident, you can still go to the ER if you are worried about the severity of your injuries.
Many people do walk away feeling fine after a crash, so if this is your case, you could go to an urgent care facility or your primary care provider (PCP). Even if you walk away without a scratch, seeing a doctor is in your best interest. Many symptoms and pain can be delayed, but a doctor can catch an injury before you feel it. Only a doctor can conduct tests like MRIs and CT scans to reveal the true extent of an injury.
What doctor do I see after a car accident?
After getting an initial diagnosis from the ER, urgent care, or your primary care doctor, your next step should be to follow your doctor’s instructions. If you’re referred to a specialist, such as an orthopedist for a musculoskeletal injury or a neurologist for a brain or nerve injury, then go to your appointments with the specialist. This is important both to protect your health and to support your claim for damages.
How long do I have after a car accident to go and get medical treatment?
You should go see a doctor as soon as possible, ideally the day of the crash, but if you haven’t gone to the doctor yet, it’s not too late. Keep in mind, your health comes first, and if you’re worried about the cost that’s another reason to seek medical treatment fast. Getting prompt medical attention creates a record of your injuries to support your claim for compensation. The longer you wait, the easier it is for the insurance company to argue that your injury is unrelated to the wreck.
Who pays my medical bills after a crash?
If someone else is at fault for your accident, their insurance company is supposed to cover your accident-related expenses. But insurance companies are often reluctant to pay up, which is why many accident victims reach out to an experienced car accident attorney for help. A lawyer will investigate your accident to build a strong case that proves you deserve fair compensation. Damages awarded to you will not only cover medical bills and property damage, but also any future accident-related expenses.
Working with a lawyer can also help you get your medical bills paid in the interim, before your case has settled. We may be able to negotiate a “treat now, pay later” arrangement with your medical provider so that they will get a portion of your settlement or verdict when your case is resolved.
Get help from a New Orleans lawyer who gets results
Seeking medical attention is crucial for two main reasons. The first and more important reason is to heal your injury. Treatment and recovery are needed so you can get better and return to your normal daily activities. It also helps build a stronger case. Medical reports are evidence that proves the severity of your injuries. These records don’t lie and will help Attorney John S. Williams put a strong case together.
Concrete evidence like medical reports show the truth behind your accident. With that, your car accident attorney can fight to get you the highest amount of compensation possible. Contact us today to learn more.