Why Seeing a Doctor After a Car Accident is Crucial for Your Health and Claim
Riah Greathouse, Esq. · March 3, 2022If you were involved in a wreck, you might be wondering whether or not you have to go to the doctor. While it may seem more expensive to go to the doctor if you don’t have severe injuries, you may be losing out on potential compensation. Read on to learn the importance of going to the doctor.
Why You Should Go
When you are involved in a minor collision, you may not see the benefits of making an appointment with your doctor. However, there are three reasons you should go to the doctor after an accident – no matter how small it may seem.
Hidden Injuries
Some accidents can cause severe injuries that don’t manifest until days or weeks after your accident. You may not even be in pain until after the shock wears off. Doctors know what to look for after a car accident, so they’ll be able to verify that you’re okay.
Insurance Claims
Seeing a doctor will expedite the time it takes to file your injury claim. Getting medical care will alert your insurance company that you may have injuries and that you’re being proactive in your claim. Additionally, lawyers and doctors can work together in personal injury cases.
Verified Costs
If you want to file a claim against the other driver, then you will need to have verified costs associated with the accident. The insurance company can cover your car and your medical expenses. After all, you can’t get paid if there are no costs associated with your accident.
What Happens if You Don’t Go
If you don’t go to the doctor, you could risk extreme pain. Being in an accident can trigger your fight or flight response, which releases adrenaline into your body, causing you not to realize the injuries you may have. However, when that adrenaline wears off, you will feel the full extent of your injuries.
You could also damage your claim. Insurance companies will go to great lengths to avoid paying you the compensation you deserve. To win your lawsuit, you’ll need to go to the doctor.
Avoiding the doctor will extend the time it takes to work through your case. Since doctors and attorneys often work together, they can form a viable issue that they can solve quickly. However, without a doctor, you and your attorney may have difficulty finishing your case in a timely manner.
When You Should Go
It would be best if you went to the doctor as soon as possible. If you have severe injuries, your first step after the accident should be to go to the emergency room. Even though this may seem like an expensive decision, there are programs set up to help you pay. Also, your attorney may be able to help you get the trip compensated by the other party’s insurance.
If your injuries are minor or you seem to have no injuries, then you should still go to the doctor as soon as possible. It may be hard to get an appointment, but it is still worth the effort. Try to get an appointment with your primary care doctor or head to urgent care if you can’t get in.
It is best to get seen by a doctor within 72 hours, or three days, of your accident. This timeline will give you peace of mind knowing that a doctor has checked you out. Additionally, getting seen will help your case along.
How to Find the Right Doctor
If you don’t have a primary care physician, finding a doctor can be difficult. However, your attorney will be able to help you find a doctor that can help you. Be sure to ask your lawyer if they have any recommendations.
If you have been injured in a car accident, calling an attorney is the best way to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. Here at Greathouse Trial Law, we want to help you fight for your rights.
Contact us today at (678) 310-2827 or complete our online form for your free case evaluation. We aim to serve Atlanta’s great people and give a voice to the voiceless.
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