Should I Go To The Doctor After A Car Accident

Yes, you should always see a doctor after a car accident, even if you feel fine. This is because adrenaline masks pain, hiding serious injuries like whiplash, concussions, internal damage (internal bleeding), or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Immediate documentation is crucial for your health and future insurance claims. A prompt medical check-up within 24hrs from a qualified medical professional helps catch hidden damage early. Tis also helps to prevent long-term problems, and provide essential records for insurance companies, who might otherwise dispute your claim. Waiting too long can make it harder to link injuries to the crash, potentially affecting compensation and allowing minor issues to become chronic problems.

At Novian & Novian, with over 35 years of experience, our catastrophic injury lawyers have successfully guided numerous clients through the complex process involved in filing a personal injury lawsuit, and making sure each client gets a fair compensation. Contact us today or walk into our office to begin with a free consultation, and together we will protect your rights and get a fair personal injury settlement from the insurance company.

This post will provide a detailed description of the importance of visiting your doctor immediately after a car accident, and your rights as car accident victims in the accident. This post will explain the roles of a personal injury lawyer in your case and how to utilize the services they render to get fair compensation.

Why Should I Go to the Doctor After a Car Accident?

It is very vital to go and see a primary care doctor immediately after a car crash because adrenaline can mask serious life threatening injuries like internal damage. Prompt medical documentation is crucial for both your health and potential/legal claims. Waiting too long can make it harder to connect your injuries the crash, potentially affecting compensation. Many car accident injuries are not immediately apparent and may take hours, days, or even weeks to fully manifest.

Also, early diagnosis and treatment prevent minor issues from becoming long-term pain or disability. All of the facts explained above, are  make up the reasons why you should go to the doctor immediately after a car wreck. Most insurance companies expect treatment to be sought within 72 hours after an accident. In some states, such as Florida, treatment must be sought within 14 days to remain eligible for Personal Injury Protection benefits.

You should see your doctor as soon as possible or visit urgent care centers (or urgent care clinic) after a car accident, ideally within 24 to 72 hours, even if you feel fine. You should see your doctor sooner if you experience pain, dizziness, confusion, numbness, or swelling. Internal bleeding can occur from blunt force trauma without external signs, such as damage to the liver or spleen.

How Soon After a Car Accident Should You See a Doctor?

You should see your doctor as soon as possible after a car accident, ideally within 24 to 72 hours, even if you feel fine. You should see your doctor sooner if you experience pain, dizziness, confusion, numbness, or swelling. Neurologists are essential if you’ve suffered a head injury, spinal cord trauma, or nerve damage. Emergency room physicians are trained to handle trauma cases and can provide life-saving care. Many injuries like whiplash, concussions, and internal issues often have delayed symptoms, and prompt care protects your health and strengthens your insurance claim settlement. This is by documenting the cause and extent of  injuries before any gaps in treatment. Waiting too long can lead to complications and be used by insurers to dispute your claim for compensation.

Another reason why you need to visit your doctor immediately after a car accident is that the memories of the incident are still fresh in your mind. It is very important that the details you share with your lawyer and doctor are very accurate, it best to visit your doctor so you can be treated immediately after the accident when the details are still very fresh in your mind, so you can be very precise and reduce the possibility of inaccurate or incomplete details in your narration.

Signs You Need Immediate Medical Attention

You need immediate medical care for sudden, severe symptoms like chest pain/pressure, difficulty breathing, severe headache, sudden numbness/weakness (stroke signs), confusion, heavy bleeding, loss of consciousness, severe abdominal pain, or signs of a severe allergic reaction (swelling, hives). Also, for things like deep wounds, serious burns, smoke inhalation, poisoning, and bone fractures. Don’t hesitate to call emergency services (911),( or request to be taken to the emergency room) if someone could die or be permanently disabled.

Some of the major pointers that can help you determine if you need immediate medical attention include:

1. Cardiovascular & Breathing: This can be manifested through chest pain/pressure (especially if it spreads to arms, back, jaw, or neck, with sweating or shortness of breath). Severe shortness of breath or very slow or fast breathing is also a symptom that shows you need to visit the doctor. Sudden, severe headache unlike any you have ever had before is also a major symptom.
2. Neurological (Stroke & Head Injury): BE FAST Signs of stroke (Balance loss, Eyesight changes, Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911). Sudden confusion/change in behavior, loss of consciousness/fainting, and seizure (especially if it lasts over a minute or person doesn’t wake up quickly), and spinal cord injuries, are all signs that point to the need for immediate medical attention.
3. Bleeding & Trauma: Uncontrolled bleeding, coughing up or vomiting blood, deep wounds, serious burns, or head/spine injuries, and nerve damage, are all serious symptoms that can not be ignored or treated lightly. All of these are clear signs that the victim should be taken to the hospital immediately.

Why You Should Seek Medical Attention Right Away

You should seek medical care/attention right away for sudden, severe symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, stroke signs, severe bleeding, high fever with stiff neck (neck pain), or loss of consciousness. In order to prevent worsening conditions, serious complications, as prompt care can save lives, speed recovery, and properly diagnose hidden injuries. Neglecting medical evaluation after an accident can lead to delayed-onset PTSD, anxiety, or depression. Physical therapy is a critical component of recovery for many car accident victims. Persistent or worsening headaches can indicate a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Hidden or delayed injuries such as soft tissue injuries (whiplash, strains), concussions or mild traumatic brain injuries, and general internal injuries that don’t show symptoms immediately can all be taken care of when you visit the hospital immediately after the accident and get an early diagnosis. Delaying care allows minor injuries to escalate and can impact legal claims after accidents, while quick treatment ensures accurate diagnosis and better outcomes.

Early diagnosis prevents complications and proper documentation ensures you get the right treatment plan. Furthermore, medical records serve as evidence if you file for health insurance or injury claim, but delaying care may allow insurance companies to argue your injuries aren’t related to the accident

What Is Personal Injury Law and How Does It Relate to Car Accidents?

Personal injury law is a legal area (part of tort law) for civil claims where someone is harmed (physically, emotionally, psychologically) due to another person’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional wrongful act, seeking money , not punishment. Filing a personal injury lawsuit helps victims get compensation for harm from others’ carelessness, often involving car accidents where negligence (duty, breach, causation, damages) must be proven. Medical consultations are crucial for documenting injuries, linking them to the incident, and establishing the severity for fair compensation and providing strong evidence for the claim’s value.

Most car accidents fall under personal injury law, as they often involve one driver’s failure to act responsibly (e.g., speeding, distracted driving) causing injury to another. The goal is to hold the at-fault driver accountable and get the injured party money for bills, lost wages and pain.

Negligence is typically the foundation of most personal injury claims, requiring proof of four elements which are duty (the at-fault driver owed a duty to drive safely), breach (they breached that duty e.g., ran a red light), Causation (their breach directly caused the accident and your injuries cause-in-fact & proximate cause), and damages (you suffered actual harm like injuries, financial losses).

The benefits of medical consultation after a car accident for legal cases include evidence of injury (medical records prove you were treated and document the extent of harm), link to accident (causation)which means the doctors establish the connection between the crash and your specific injuries, countering doubt. Other benefits of medical consultation is that it provides medical records which helps assess future needs, pain, suffering, and lost earning capacity, establishing the claim’s true value. Expert testimony from doctors also adds scientific backing, making your case stronger against insurance companies.

Understanding Your Rights After a Car Accident

After a car accident, you have key legal rights, including seeking compensation for injuries, lost wages, and property damage, the right to medical treatment (covered by insurance or claims), and the right to legal representation from a personal injury lawyer to protect your interests and navigate claims against the at-fault party’s insurer, ensuring fair recovery for economic and non-economic losses like pain and suffering. These key rights are better explained below:

• Right to Compensation (Damages)
  This means the victim has the right to reimbursement for out-of-pocket costs like medical bills (past & future), lost income, and vehicle repair/replacement. The victim also gets the right to compensation for intangible losses such as pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Right to Legal Representation
  A qualified personal injury lawyer ensures your rights are upheld and helps you understand complex laws. Personal injury lawyers help file claims, prove the other driver’s negligence (duty, breach, causation, damages), and decline unfair settlement offers. Personal injury lawyers identify all potential damages (economic and non-economic) and handle negotiations with insurance companies.
• Right to Medical Treatments
  You have the right to receive necessary medical attention after an accident to assess and treat injuries. These medical costs are covered by the at-fault driver’s liability insurance or your own auto insurance (PIP/MedPay). Your legal claim seeks compensation to cover all necessary ongoing and future medical care.

Other important rights worth mentioning include the right to remain silent and not make a self-incriminating statement at the scene. You have the right to get an official police report for your insurance claim, and also the right to document the scene (take photos, get witness info, and exchange details). Finally, you are entitled to fair treatment from the police, insurance adjusters, and the legal system.

What Types of Personal Injury Cases and Claims Can Arise From a Car Accident?

After a car accident, personal injury claims covers various situations like standard motor vehicle accidents (cars, trucks, bikes), severe pedestrian accidents, and fatal accidents leading to wrongful death claims. All of these seek compensation for damages like medical bills, lost wages, and pain, often stemming from driver negligence, road hazards, or defective vehicles. These claims are better explained below:

1. Motor Vehicle Accident Claims (MVAs)
These are the common personal injury cases, involving negligence by drivers in cars, motorcycles, and large trucks. Motor vehicle accidents are usually caused by distracted driving, speeding, DUI (driving under the influence), tailgating, running red lights. They lead to injuries like whiplash, broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, burns, and soft tissue damage. The main focus of motor vehicle accident claim is to recover the cost for medical treatment, lost wages, vehicle repair/replacement, and suffering.

2. Pedestrian Accident Claims
This generally occurs when a vehicle hits a pedestrian, injuries are often severe due to lack of protection. This is caused by driver inattention, failure to yield, speeding, or unsafe crosswalks and leads to injuries like head injuries, fractures, internal injuries, spinal cord damage. Pedestrian accident claims focuses on getting compensation for extensive medical care (emergency, rehab, ongoing), lost wages, pain, and property damage.

3. Wrongful Death Claim
Wrongful death claim is filed by surviving family members when negligence causes a fatal accident. This claim is filed after any accident (car, pedestrian, truck) results in death. It’s sole purpose is to compensate the family for the loss of their loved one, including funeral costs, lost financial support, and a loss of companionship (loss of consortium).

Proving Negligence and Establishing Liability in a Car Accident

Negligence is defined as failure to exercise the care a “reasonable person” would in similar circumstances, such as driving drunk, distracted, or tailgating. Proving negligence and establishing liability in a car accident involves showing the at-fault driver owed a duty of care, breached it (e.g., speeding, texting while driving), that breach directly caused the crash and your injuries, and you suffered quantifiable damages (medical bills, lost wages). Key evidence includes police reports, photos, witness statements, and crucial medical records documenting injury severity and treatment, linking them directly to the accident for establishing fault and compensation.

To establish liability, you must prove these four things, which are duty, which means the other driver had a legal duty to drive safely, breach, which shows that they violated that duty of care by driving carelessly. Thirdly, causation which states that their breach directly caused the accident and your harm, and finally, damages, which should show that you suffered actual, measurable losses (medical costs, lost income, and pain).

Evidence proves the four elements. The official record of the scene (police/accident reports), driver info, and an initial fault assessment. Photos and videos show vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and debris. Accounts from bystanders corroborate your version of the events, like seeing someone run a red light. Finally, accident reconstructionists or medical experts can clarify complex aspects of the accident.

Medical records are very important documents because they provide evidence/details that connects injuries directly to the crash, proving harm occurred. They also help in documenting severity by showing the extent of injuries, required treatments, and ongoing care. In addition, medical records establish costs for bills, future care, and impact on life (pain/suffering).

How Should You Deal With Insurance Companies After a Car Accident?

After a car accident, managing interactions with insurance companies can be complex. The key is to be prepared, stick to the facts, and understand that the insurance company’s goal is to minimize their payout. Interaction with the insurance companies can be divided into four stages, these four stages are listed and explained below:

1. Reporting the Accident

• Prioritize Safety & Document the Scene: After ensuring safety and seeking any necessary medical attention, document everything. Take photos of vehicle damage, the accident scene, road conditions, and visible injuries.
• Gather Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with all parties involved. Collect names and contact details of any witnesses and the details of the investigating police officer, including the report number.
• Notify Your Insurer Promptly: Most policies require you to report the accident as soon as possible, often within 24-72 hours, to avoid claim denial.
• Provide Only Facts: When reporting, provide your policy number, vehicle details, date, time, and location of the accident. Give a factual account of what happened, but do not admit fault or speculate about the cause, as this can be used against you.

2. Understanding Policy Coverage

• Review Your Policy: Familiarize yourself with your coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions. This helps manage expectations and ensures you leverage all available benefits, such as collision, comprehensive, or personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
• Know What’s Covered: Understand that collision coverage pays for damage to your car from a crash, while liability coverage handles damages or injuries you cause to others.
• Ask Questions: If anything in your policy is unclear, ask your agent or a legal professional for clarification.

3. Negotiating Settlements

• Document All Expenses: Keep meticulous records of all communications, medical bills, repair estimates, and related expenses (e.g., rental car fees, lost wages). This documentation is crucial for justifying your claim’s value.
• Don’t Accept the First Offer: Initial settlement offers are often low, designed to minimize the insurer’s payout. Politely decline the first offer and present a counteroffer based on your thorough documentation and research.
• Support Your Request with Evidence: Use multiple repair estimates, medical records, and photos to back up your requested settlement amount.
• Consider Legal Counsel: If the damages are significant, injuries are severe, liability is disputed, or negotiations stall, consulting a personal injury attorney can be beneficial. An attorney can handle communications and negotiate on your behalf to protect your rights.

4. Avoiding Common Mistakes

• Avoid Admitting Fault: Never say “I’m sorry” or make any statement that could be construed as accepting blame for the accident.
• Decline Recorded Statements (Without Counsel): Politely refuse to give a recorded statement to any insurance adjuster without first consulting with an attorney. These statements can be used to dispute or reduce your claim later.
• Don’t Speculate on Injuries: Avoid downplaying your injuries by saying “I’m fine,” as some issues may not appear immediately. Instead, state you are receiving medical attention and will update them with records later.
• Don’t Sign Anything Hastily: Never sign any documents, waivers, or releases without carefully reviewing them and, if necessary, seeking legal advice.
• Limit Social Media Activity: Avoid posting details, photos, or updates about the accident or your recovery process on social media, as insurers may monitor profiles for evidence to use against your claim.

Calculating Damages and Fair Compensation After a Car Accident

Car accident compensation involves calculating economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, property damage) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress). This involves using methods like the multiplier method, factoring in injury severity, fault, documentation, and insurance limits to determine a fair settlement for current and future losses.

Economic damages refer to the quantifiable financial losses that result directly from a car accident. These include medical expenses such as emergency room treatment, hospitalization, rehabilitation, ongoing therapy, and anticipated future medical care. They also cover lost wages, including income already missed due to the injury as well as reduced future earning capacity if the victim is unable to return to work at the same level. Property damage, such as the cost to repair or replace a damaged vehicle, is also included, along with other out-of-pocket expenses like transportation costs or necessary home or vehicle modifications.

Non-economic damages compensate for losses that do not have a clear monetary value but significantly impact a victim’s quality of life. These damages may include physical pain, emotional suffering, mental anguish, and psychological trauma resulting from the accident. Compensation may also be awarded for disfigurement, permanent injuries, or long-term disabilities, as well as loss of consortium, which reflects the negative impact the injuries have on personal relationships and family life.

Punitive damages are different from compensatory damages and are not intended to reimburse the victim for losses. Instead, they are awarded in rare cases to punish the at-fault party for extreme recklessness, gross negligence, or intentional misconduct, and to deter similar behavior in the future.

Calculation Methods

Economic damages are calculated by adding together all verifiable financial losses related to the accident. This includes medical bills, treatment receipts, repair estimates, and documented lost income. Because these damages are based on actual expenses and records, they are typically straightforward to prove with proper documentation.

Non-economic damages are commonly calculated using the multiplier method. First, all economic damages are totaled to determine the baseline amount. That figure is then multiplied by a number, usually ranging from 1.5 to 5, depending on the severity of the injuries, length of recovery, and overall impact on the victim’s life. For example, if a person incurs $20,000 in economic damages and a multiplier of 3 is applied, the non-economic damages would amount to $60,000.

Another, less frequently used approach is the per diem method. This method assigns a specific daily dollar value to the victim’s pain and suffering and multiplies that rate by the number of days the individual is affected by the injury. While this method can be effective in certain cases, it is less commonly accepted by insurance companies than the multiplier method.

Factors Affecting Compensation

Several key factors influence the amount of compensation awarded after a car accident. They include:

• Severity of Injuries & Impact: More severe, long-lasting injuries increase value.
• Medical Expenses: All documented costs, current and future.
• Fault/Liability: Your percentage of fault (comparative negligence) reduces your award.
• Documentation: Strong evidence (bills, records) is crucial.
• Insurance Policy Limits: The insurer’s maximum payout.
• Legal Representation: A lawyer helps negotiate fair value

What Is the Personal Injury Lawsuit Process After a Car Accident?

After a car accident, a personal injury lawsuit typically moves from an initial investigation and insurance claim to filing a formal complaint (summons) in court. Followed by a discovery phase (interrogatories, depositions) for evidence gathering, then settlement negotiations, and potentially a trial (jury selection, evidence presentation, verdict) before potentially entering an appeals process. if a party disputes the outcome, all governed by state laws and deadlines (statues of limitations).

Before filing comes investigation and demand. This involves documenting everything (photos, witness info, police reports), medical care (getting prompt, consistent care), insurance claim (filed promptly but be cautious with recorded statements), and attorney consultation (getting legal advice, especially regarding deadlines).

The next step which is filing the personal injury lawsuit (pleadings), involves filing a complaint, which means the plaintiff’s lawyer files a formal complaint (summons/petition) in a civil court against the at-fault party which is the defendant. Also, a statue of limitations must be filed within your state’s time limit.

The next stage is the discovery phase (evidence gathering). This involves interrogatories (written questions under oath), depositions (oral testimonies under oath, recorded), document requests (exchange of medical records, financial info, etc..), and purpose which is when the both sides learn the strengths/weaknesses of the case.

The discovery phase is followed by pre-trial & settlement, which includes filing motions (lawyers file motions e.g., for summary judgement to resolve issues), and settlement negotiations which refers to both parties trying to settle to avoid trial, often after discovery.

Next is the trial process. This phase includes jury selection (voir dire), opening statements where lawyers outline their case, evidence presentation (witnesses testify, exhibits presented e.g., photos and records), closing arguments where lawyers summarize their case, jury instructions and deliberation (judge instructs jury on law; jury decides), and finally, the verdict which basically means the jury announcing their decision (liability & damages).

The finial phase is the appeals process (if needed). This generally involves a notice of appeal filed by the party dissatisfied by the verdict, an appellate court review (higher court reviews for legal errors, not facts), and outcome which can be affirm (uphold), reverse (overturn), or remand (send back for new trial).

Why You Need an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney After a Car Accident

Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney after a car accident provides crucial expertise in personal injury law, skilled negotiation with insurers, comprehensive legal representation. A personal injury lawyer also significantly helps maximize your compensation by handling complex paperwork, gathering evidence, and building a strong case. This allows you to focus on recovery while leveling the playing field against insurance companies. These major benefits will be explained better in the following paragraphs.

Expertise in personal injury law, is one of the major benefits of hiring a personal injury attorney. Personal injury law is intricate, so you need an experienced lawyer who understands its specific procedures, statues, and precedents, guiding you confidently through the legal system.

Skilled negotiation, is another important benefit of hiring a personal injury lawyer. Lawyers are adept at handling insurance companies and  pushing back against unfair delays or low settlement offers. They accurately assess both physical and non-physical damages (like emotional distress) to ensure your claim reflects its true value, not just immediate costs.

Legal representation and evidence can be said to be the most important benefit or the primary reason/benefit for hiring a personal injury lawyer. An attorney ensures you aren’t overwhelmed by the opposing party or insurer, providing a strong advocate. They systematically gather crucial evidence, such as photos, medical records, and witness statements to build a robust case. If negotiations fail, a personal injury attorney provides essential representation in court, arguing your case effectively.

Maximizing compensation is arguably the single benefit that the victim enjoys the most compared to other benefits of hiring an attorney. They ensure you claim covers all applicable damages, including future losses, not just immediate expenses. Their expertise and negotiation skills work to secure the highest possible settlement, ensuring you get everything you deserve. By managing the stressful legal and administrative burden, they give their client enough peace of mind to focus on healing and reducing overall worry.

Why Medical Records Are Important for Injury Claims

One of the major reasons why medical records are essential is that help to prove injury and severity of the injury. They document diagnoses, symptoms, treatments (like physical therapy, surgeries, medications), and progress, showing the full extent of your physical and psychological harm. Medical records also help to establish causation.

Consistent records, especially early visits after the event, link your injuries directly to the accident, countering claims that they were pre-existing or unrelated. Records detail all medical bills (past and future), proving economic losses, and provide evidence for non-economic damages like pain, suffering, and lost earning capacity.

Objective data from doctors, specialists, and tests (MRIs, X-rays) validates your claim for insurance adjusters and courts, who rely on them as primary evidence. Medical records also show long-term impact. Notes on daily life limitations, ongoing therapy needs, and mental health evaluations demonstrate the lasting effects on your quality of life, supporting higher compensation.

Ready to Pursue Legal Action After A Car Accident?

If you were involved in a car accident recently and you are still very confused about how to go about filing an injury claim and possibly getting your medical bills sorted. This post covers all the important details you need to know and step-by-step guidelines to follow to ultimately get a fair compensation.

At Novian & Novian, our team of personal injury attorneys are available to guide you through the entire process and procedures. With over 35 years of experience, our firm has consistently delivered top-tier
legal services rooted in understanding our client’s intricate needs. Contact us today for a free consultation, or walk into our office and let us work together to make sure your rights are not denied, and that you get a fair settlement from your claim.

FAQs

Below, are some frequently asked questions and their answers. This was put together with the aim of helping you understand the reasons why you should visit a doctor immediately after a car accident.

What are the signs that I should go to the doctor after a car accident?

You should see a doctor after a car accident for persistent or new pain (head, neck, back, limbs), numbness/tingling, dizziness, confusion, severe headaches, chest/abdominal pain, vision changes, severe bruising, or any loss of consciousness.

How soon should I go to the doctor after a car accident?

You should see a doctor as soon as possible after a car accident, ideally within 24 to 72  hours, even if you feel fine.

How much does it cost to see a doctor after a car accident?

The cost to see a doctor after a car accident varies wildly, from a few hundred dollars for minor issues to tens of thousands or millions for severe injuries, With initial ER visits costing $1,000-$10,000, diagnostic scans $400-$3,000+, and surgeries potentially running into six figures.

What are common mistakes people make when deciding whether to go to the doctor after a car accident?

Common mistakes people make when deciding whether to go the doctor after a car accident often stem from underestimating the severity of their injuries due to adrenaline or shock, failing to seek prompt medical attention.