If you were injured in a car accident, you may have the right to get compensation for your injuries. But to protect this right, you’ll need to take several steps. Of these, seeking medical care might be the most important. Getting evaluated by a doctor can help you (and your car accident case) in many important ways.
This article provides five reasons why seeing a doctor as soon as possible after an Alabama car accident is important. It will also answer crucial questions about post-accident medical care.
Reason #1 – Early Detection
Swelling and adrenaline from accidents can mask many injuries. A doctor can find these hidden ailments. And even noticeable injuries might be more serious than you think. A doctor can give you an accurate diagnosis of your condition.
Reason #2 – Documentation of Injuries
You’ll need to prove that you were injured to win a negligence claim. Medical records from the accident’s aftermath will give you the necessary proof.
Reason #3 – Preventing Complications
Seeing a doctor immediately will help you get the treatment you need. Waiting too long could cause your injuries to get worse or to develop serious complications.
Reason #4 – Establishing a Baseline
Seeing a doctor immediately after the accident will provide a baseline of your post-accident health. Your doctor can use this baseline to determine if your accident injuries worsen over time. The baseline can also help the doctor decide if the accident made your pre-existing injuries or conditions worse.
Reason #5 – Creating a Treatment Plan
Serious injuries usually require long-term treatment. Going to a doctor immediately after your accident will help your doctor create a care plan and course of treatment. Having a timeline for your healing process will help you and your doctor know if you’re making adequate progress.
What Happens if I Don’t See a Doctor Right Away?
Waiting to get medical treatment could seriously affect your car accident claim. Remember, insurance companies do not want to pay you. They want to deny your claim and will look for any reason to do so. If you wait too long to see a doctor, the insurance companies and their lawyers will argue that your injuries aren’t serious.
Worse, they’ll try convincing the court that you weren’t injured. Seeing a doctor immediately will make it much more difficult for them to deny or diminish your injuries.
It Was Just a Minor Accident. Do I Still Need to See a Doctor?
Absolutely. Even seemingly minor accidents can cause severe injuries. See a doctor immediately, even if it’s just a “fender bender.”
I Felt Fine After the Accident. Do I Still Need Medical Treatment?
Yes. Many serious injuries, like broken bones, are visible to anyone. But some life-threatening injuries, like internal bleeding, can take hours or days to appear. So, even if you feel “fine” after the accident, you must see a doctor as soon as possible.
When Should I See a Doctor After a Car Accident?
You should see a doctor as soon as you can. If you have visible injuries that aren’t serious enough to require ambulance transportation, go to an emergency room or urgent care center. If you can’t see a doctor immediately, make every effort to do so within 24 hours of the accident.
What Kind of Doctor Should I See After a Car Accident?
Again, if you have serious injuries, go to the emergency room or urgent care immediately. After that, you should follow up with your primary care doctor as soon as you can. If your regular doctor can’t treat your injuries, they can refer you to a specialist. But ensure that all doctors keep your primary doctor informed about how your car accident injuries are progressing. This way, your primary care physician will be on the lookout for any conditions related to the accident.
Who Will Pay My Medical Bills After a Car Accident?
Finances are a common concern for people injured in car accidents. It’s understandable to be worried about paying for medical care after a car accident. However, hospitals will generally treat you after an accident. If you don’t have insurance, the hospital will place a lien on any damages you receive after a trial or settlement. An experienced Alabama injury attorney can help you with liens and other payment issues.
More Questions About Seeing a Doctor After a Car Accident?
Getting prompt medical treatment is one of the most important things you can do to protect your rights after a car accident. But if you have more questions about car accident injuries or need legal representation after an accident, contact Collins Law, LLC. Our team will work tirelessly to get you the recovery you need to get your life back on track. Call 205-588-1411 or use our website’s online scheduling tool to schedule a free consultation.