One of the most critical steps to take after a car accident is to seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, seeing a doctor immediately is crucial. However, it can be daunting to navigate the healthcare system and figure out how to find the right doctor for your needs. Below, we cover everything you need to know about speaking with your doctor after an accident.
When Should I Go to the Doctor After a Car Accident?
When Should I Go to the Doctor After a Car Accident?It’s best to see a doctor as soon as possible after a car accident. This is true even if you don’t feel like you sustained a severe injury. Some injury symptoms don’t show up until days or weeks after a collision. Delaying medical attention can worsen your injuries. Additionally, seeking medical attention immediately after the accident can help you build a stronger case if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim. When you see a doctor, they will document your injuries and treatment. You can use that as evidence in a personal injury case.
What Doctor to See After a Car Accident
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you’ll want to see a doctor who has experience treating accident victims. Here are some types of doctors who can help:
- Emergency room doctors – If your injuries are severe or life-threatening, you should immediately go to the emergency room. Emergency room doctors are trained to handle a wide range of injuries and will be able to provide the immediate care you need.
- Primary care doctors – If your injuries are not life-threatening, you can see your primary care doctor for an evaluation. Your primary care doctor can assess your injuries and refer you to specialists.
- Chiropractors – Chiropractors specialize in treating musculoskeletal injuries, such as whiplash and back pain. If you’re experiencing pain in your neck or back after a car accident, a chiropractor may be able to help.
- Physical therapists – Physical therapists can help you recover from injuries by developing a personalized treatment plan that includes strength and conditioning exercises.
- Pain management specialists – If you’re experiencing chronic pain after a car accident, a pain management specialist can help you manage your symptoms.
How to Find a Doctor After a Car Accident
If you don’t already have a doctor who specializes in treating accident victims, here are some tips for finding the care you need:
- Ask for recommendations – Ask friends, family members, and coworkers if they know of any good doctors who specialize in treating accident victims.
- Check online reviews – Look up doctors in your area on review websites like Yelp and Google to see what other patients say about their experiences.
- Contact your insurance company – Your insurance company can provide a list of doctors covered under your policy. In general, it’s best to see a doctor who takes your insurance after a collision, as that will save you money. However, if you need to see a specialist who doesn’t take your insurance, you might need to make an appointment anyway. A personal injury attorney can help you seek compensation for the cost of seeing an out-of-network doctor.
- Consult a personal injury lawyer – If you’re pursuing a personal injury claim, your lawyer might be able to recommend doctors who specialize in treating accident victims.
What If I Didn’t Go to a Doctor After a Car Accident?
If you didn’t see a doctor after a car accident and later discover that you have injuries, it’s not too late to seek medical attention. However, it’s important to understand that delaying medical attention can make connecting your injuries to the accident harder. If you’re pursuing a personal injury claim, the insurance company may use your failure to seek immediate medical attention as evidence that your injuries are not as severe as you claim.
Mistakes to Avoid When Speaking to a Doctor After a Crash
It’s crucial to be careful about what you say to a doctor after a car accident. Anything you say to your doctor could go into your medical records. Insurance companies will look for any reason they can find to deny your claim or reduce your compensation. With that in mind, here are a few things to avoid saying to your doctor after an accident:
- “I’m sorry” or anything that could be seen as an admission of guilt
- Speculating about what caused the crash of your injuries
- Anything negative about the other parties involved in the crash or an insurance company
- Making up or exaggerating your injuries
- Not mentioning all the injuries you sustained in the crash
Contact a New York Car Accident Attorney Today for Legal Assistance
The New York car accident lawyers at Harris, Keenan & Goldfarb can protect your rights and help you find the care you need after a collision. Call our personal injury lawyers today or visit our contact page for a free consultation.
