What Type of Doctor Should I See After a Car Accident?

The type of doctor that you should see after a car accident will depend on the type and severity of your injuries.

Car accident injuries can range from minor bruising to serious, life-threatening conditions, so you’ll need to see a doctor who can properly evaluate and treat you. If the other driver was at fault for the accident, you may be entitled to compensation from their insurance company.

Seeing a doctor helps back up your claim for damages, but having a trusted Atlanta car accident lawyer on your side ensures they’ll fight for fair compensation. To learn how a doctor’s documentation impacts your settlement, we’ve compiled commonly asked questions from our decades of legal experience.

The Importance of Timely Treatment by the Right Doctor

After an auto accident, seeking timely medical care from the appropriate doctor is just as important as finding a reputable Atlanta personal injury lawyer to file your injury claim. Prompt medical treatment can significantly impact your road to recovery, especially when dealing with severe injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, or internal injuries.

Visiting urgent care centers immediately after an accident can be a good option if you cannot see your primary care physician right away. These facilities are equipped to handle a variety of potential injuries, including soft tissue injuries and fractures. However, for more specialized care, you may need to consult specific types of doctors (i.e., an orthopedic doctor for treating broken bones).

In addition to initial treatment, follow-up treatments are vital. Physical therapists play a key role in rehabilitation, helping you regain strength and mobility after injuries. Depending on the nature of your injuries, advanced treatment options may also be recommended.

Documenting the Recovery Process

Our personal injury attorneys can help ensure that your treatment and recovery process is documented properly, enhancing your injury claim. By prioritizing timely treatment from the right care providers, you increase your chances of a successful recovery and mitigate long-term complications.

If you’re asking, “What type of doctor should I see right after a car accident?” we’ll answer that question next.

What Type of Doctor Should You See Right After a Car Accident?

The type of treatment you receive and the doctor you see depend on the severity of your injuries. The most important factor after a car accident is your health. A medical professional needs to check out your injuries so you can get the treatment you need. 

Depending on the situation, you may need to see a(n):

• Emergency room doctor
• Urgent care doctor
• Primary care physician
• Medical specialist, such as a surgeon, neurologist, or psychiatrist

Should I Visit an Emergency Room Doctor After an Auto Crash?

If your injuries are serious, you will need to see a doctor in the emergency room (ER) immediately after your car accident. Life-threatening injuries should be addressed right away, so call 911 at the scene of the accident if you need an ambulance or on-site medical attention. Do not delay getting the treatment you need.

The ER is also your best option if your accident happens late at night and your injuries worsen soon afterward. An ER doctor will be available at any time of the night outside of regular clinic office hours.

Should You Still See a Doctor if Injuries Aren’t Life-Threatening?

Yes, some serious injuries are not always apparent right away. Additionally, even minor injuries can worsen if left untreated. If you do not have life-threatening injuries, plan to get medical attention as soon as possible after the accident. 

You could go to an urgent care clinic to get examined and treated. These typically have longer clinical hours than a primary care physician (PCP), and you can walk in without an appointment.

If your injuries can wait long enough to make an appointment, you can call your PCP and tell them you need a physical examination for a car accident. Be warned, however, that many primary doctors will not see someone after a car accident (more on that below).

Tell the doctor how you feel, and mention anything that feels painful or “off.” Let them know if your injuries affect your day-to-day life in any way. They can examine any clear injuries or run a series of tests to check for other problems. An accurate diagnosis will ensure you receive proper treatment.

When Should I See a Medical Specialist After a Car Accident?

The type of doctor you should see right after a car accident can also depend on the types of injuries you have. In some situations, your doctor may refer you to a specialist for additional treatment or testing. This might be because you need surgeries or have specific injuries. Seeing a specialist can improve your treatment timeline.

Also, be sure to:

• Follow all instructions from your doctor. If they ask you to schedule an appointment with a specialist, do it as soon as you can
• Keep up with all appointments and treatment directions
• Listen to your doctor so you heal properly, and don’t put yourself at increased risk

What if Your Primary Care Doctor Won’t See You After the Accident?

This is actually incredibly common. A lot of doctors will not see car accident victims because they are either:

• Not set up to bill auto insurance companies
• Uncomfortable treating car accident injuries in case they could be called to testify in court

There are still primary care doctors who will treat car accident victims, but they are harder to find than ever. If your PCP’s office tells you that they won’t treat you, call a personal injury law firm. You can speak to a car accident lawyer, and they can set you up with a doctor in your area who will treat you.

If you need treatment right away and can’t find a doctor who can help, go to the ER or urgent care. Even if you have to pay out of pocket, the fees are subject to reimbursement from your claim.

Do You Always Have to See a Doctor After a Car Accident?

Yes. It’s best to see a doctor even if you feel fine. Many car accident injuries are not apparent right away, and they can worsen quickly once they show up.

For example, you can have any of the following injuries and not know right away:

• Head and neck injuries, such as whiplash, concussion, or brain blood clots
• Injury or damage to back muscles, nerves, or ligaments
• Internal bleeding
• Spinal column injuries
• Fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries

It can be easy to overlook symptoms like headaches, minor aches and pains, numbness, or swelling, but these can all be signs of something more serious. It’s best to get checked out.

What if You Stop Medical Treatment After a Car Accident?

Stopping medical treatment can negatively impact your insurance claim. Insurance companies often argue that stopping or delaying treatment is a sign that victims aren’t really as injured as they claim.

Additionally, stopping treatment early can cause a relapse in symptoms. It can also aggravate injuries.

Always follow your medical team’s guidance, attend follow-up appointments, and complete any prescribed treatment.

Are You Entitled to Recover Compensation After a Car Accident?

If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, then you likely are entitled to recover compensation from them (or their insurance company).

For example, if a drunk driver hit another vehicle, the victim would be legally entitled to file an insurance claim against that driver for damages. If you’re wondering, “How long do I have to file after an auto accident?”, a lawyer can help you understand the timeline. 

With the help of your lawyer, your losses would be calculated and requested in a demand letter. Below, we’ll break down the most common damages you’re entitled to from an accident. 

Economic Damages

This is compensation for losses that can be directly tied to a financial loss. They are usually proven through evidence like receipts, medical bills, and pay slips. They typically cover both your immediate losses, as well as those you can expect in the future (such as extensive medical care from your injuries).

They can include:

• Hospital stays
• Emergency room care
• Doctor appointments
• Surgeries
• Medications
• Physical therapy
• Diagnostic testing
• Home modifications
• Mobility devices
• In-home care
• Transportation to and from medical appointments
• Lost wages
• Diminished earning capacity

Non-Economic Damages

This is compensation for losses that aren’t as easily tied to a single medical bill or cost. They are often the long-lasting effects of an accident, and it’s important to have them compensated. 

They can include:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Lowered quality of life

Understanding what compensation you qualify for is essential to a fair settlement. Your lawyer may consult with experts, such as doctors or financial specialists, to understand the full scope of your injuries and their impact on your life.

If You Don’t See a Doctor, Will Your Injury Claim Be Denied?

While not guaranteed, it is likely that your claim could be denied if you never sought medical attention. A common reason for denial is a lack of proof connecting your injuries to the accident.

Your lawyer can appeal a denied claim, but will typically need to provide additional evidence supporting the claim.

What Else Should You Do After a Car Accident?

In addition to seeking medical attention right away, there are a few other actions that can be helpful for your claim.

When possible, you should:

• Call 911 to report the accident to the police. Responding officers will create an accident report, which is helpful for your claim.
• Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, or debris, and any visible injuries you have.
• Get contact information from eyewitnesses.
• Contact a lawyer as soon as possible.

You should also avoid:

• Talking to insurance adjusters on your own. Instead, direct them to your lawyer.
• Posting on social media about the accident. Insurers can use these posts against you.
• Taking blame or apologizing at the accident scene. Even a simple “sorry” can hurt your claim.

When Should You Contact an Attorney?

You should contact an attorney immediately after your accident. The statute of limitations starts to run from the date of your accident, so you cannot afford to lose time. In Georgia, the statute of limitations is typically two years.

We’ll help you gather all the crucial evidence you need, including medical documents and receipts, to prove the extent of your injuries and to help you seek compensation.

What if You Can’t Afford an Attorney?

If you can’t afford an attorney, don’t worry; our firm works on contingency. This means that you don’t owe us anything at all until your settlement comes in. And if you, for some reason, lose your case and don’t win anything at all, you don’t owe us anything at all, either.

How Can an Attorney Help After an Accident?

After an accident, it’s easy to get quickly overwhelmed. You may have mounting medical debt, be unable to return to work, and be dealing with physical pain. Having a legal advocate on your side allows you to focus on recovery, rather than on dealing with insurance companies.

Your Atlanta car accident attorney will:

• Investigate to determine who was at fault
• Gather evidence to support your claim
• Handle all communication with insurance adjusters
• Negotiate with insurers on your behalf
• Handle the appeals process for denied claims, if necessary
• Represent your case in court, if needed

Your lawyer will also ensure that you feel supported throughout the legal process. They are your go-to for questions or concerns you have along the way. They will also keep you updated on the timeline of your case.

If You Need Help Handling Your Car Accident Claim, Contact Our Attorneys Today

What type of doctor should you see right after a car accident? It will depend on your injuries and the accident itself. John Foy & Associates can help answer any of your questions after a car accident, including how to make sure you see the right doctor. Our legal team gets results and has recovered over $1 billion for our clients.

Our injury lawyers have been helping injury victims win the compensation they need for years, and we can help you, too, starting with a free consultation. To get started today, call us now.