Partner at AKD Lawyers
Practice Areas: Personal Injury, Insurance Claims
Each year, over 3 million Americans are injured in car accidents, and some of those injuries result in long-term disabilities. Getting in a car accident is a terrifying, stressful, and all-too-common ordeal. Unfortunately, many car accident victims forgo medical treatment. Often, we’re so focused on the damage to our vehicles, the stress of the moment, or the chaos surrounding the accident that we forget to take care of the most crucial detail — ourselves.
Car accident injuries are often stealthy. Neck and spine injuries can lay dormant for days if not weeks. Concussions can take hours or days to show symptoms. And broken bones may be painless due to the adrenaline coursing through your system. If you wait to see a doctor, you may jeopardize your claim, your health, and (in some cases) your life.
Prompt medical care not only helps detect hidden injuries but also strengthens your personal injury claim by creating a clear record of your condition. In this article, we’ll explore why seeing a doctor promptly is essential, what types of injuries might show up later, and the legal implications of delaying treatment.
Importance of Immediate Medical Attention
Seeking medical assistance quickly after a car accident can be crucial for both a swift recovery and long-term difficulties. In the aftermath of a crash, your body releases adrenaline, a hormone that can mask pain and injury symptoms.
This response might lead you to believe you’re unhurt when, in reality, you could have serious injuries that need urgent care.
If you want to file a personal injury claim, medical records are also essential elements of evidence. Insurance adjusters often argue that injuries are unrelated to the accident if there is a significant delay in seeing a doctor.
Getting a timely medical evaluation can prevent this argument and help validate your claim.
Delaying treatment can also worsen injuries. Conditions like internal bleeding, concussions, and spinal injuries require immediate attention.
Early intervention can improve recovery outcomes and reduce the chances of permanent damage. Even if you feel fine, a thorough check-up is a prudent step after any accident.
“Delaying medical treatment after an accident can significantly reduce the chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries.”
What Doctors Check After a Car Accident
When you visit a doctor after a car accident, they typically conduct a comprehensive examination to identify any hidden injuries. This process often starts with fundamental questions about the accident and how you’re feeling, followed by a physical exam.
Doctors focus on detecting concussions, internal injuries, soft tissue damage, spinal injuries, and fractures.
They may also look for signs of whiplash, a common injury that occurs due to the sudden back-and-forth motion of the neck during a collision. Imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs might be necessary to diagnose injuries that aren’t visible.
Apart from physical injuries, doctors also assess psychological effects such as anxiety, PTSD, and other emotional responses to trauma.
Mental health symptoms can be subtle but have a profound impact on your well-being. Proper documentation of these symptoms can support claims for both physical and emotional damages.
“According to the CDC, nearly 50% of traumatic brain injuries are caused by motor vehicle accidents, underscoring the importance of neurological evaluations after a crash.”
When to See a Neurologist After a Car Accident
In some cases, seeing a neurologist becomes essential after a car accident, especially if you experience symptoms like memory loss, persistent headaches, dizziness, or confusion. These could indicate traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) or concussions, which need specialized attention.
Neurologists conduct detailed assessments, including cognitive tests and imaging studies, to understand the extent of brain injuries.
The sooner you consult a specialist, the better your chances of a full recovery. Brain injuries can lead to severe complications if left untreated, making early intervention critical.
A neurologist’s evaluation is also valuable evidence in personal injury claims. It establishes the cause, extent, and expected recovery timeline for your injuries, which can be instrumental in securing adequate compensation.
“In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a car accident is typically one year from the date of the incident.”
Challenges if a Doctor Won’t See You After a Car Acciden
Sometimes, accident victims face an unexpected hurdle: doctors refusing to see them. This can happen for several reasons. Some doctors avoid cases involving insurance claims to escape the paperwork and potential delays in payment.
Others might lack expertise in treating trauma-related injuries.
- If you encounter this issue, consider visiting an urgent care clinic or an emergency room or seeking out specialists who handle accident injuries regularly.
- Chiropractic clinics and orthopedic specialists often have experience dealing with car accident injuries and the related paperwork for insurance claims.
- If your primary care doctor refuses to see you, document the attempt and move swiftly to another provider. Maintaining a timeline of medical visits is crucial for insurance and legal claims.
Insurance companies can use gaps in treatment to argue that your injuries weren’t serious or related to the accident.
“Insurance companies frequently use delays in treatment to make it seem that injuries are unrelated to the accident, which makes the claims procedure more difficult.”
Late-Onset Symptoms and Their Implications
Not all injuries show up immediately after a car accident. Some symptoms might take days or even weeks to become apparent.
Whiplash, for instance, might cause pain and stiffness in the neck several days post-accident.
Internal injuries and soft tissue damage can also manifest slowly.
Ignoring these symptoms can have serious consequences. Delaying treatment can exacerbate injuries and weaken your personal injury claim. Insurance adjusters often argue that injuries appearing days later are not accident-related.
Visiting a doctor promptly after noticing symptoms can counteract this argument.
“Nearly 50% of motor vehicle accident survivors experience delayed symptoms, making it necessary to seek medical treatment even days after the incident.”
Legal Implications of Delaying Medical Treatment
Delaying medical treatment can severely impact your ability to file a successful personal injury claim. Insurance companies scrutinize the timeline between the accident and your first medical visit.
If there’s a significant delay, they might make it appear that your injuries were not caused by the accident.
In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is one year. This makes it even more crucial to document your injuries and seek treatment promptly. Comprehensive medical records serve as the foundation for building a strong case
Common Symptoms and Recommended Specialist
| Symptom | Recommended Specialist | Timeframe to Seek Treatment |
| Headaches, confusion, memory loss | Neurologist | Within 72 hours if symptoms persist |
| Neck pain, whiplash | Chiropractor or Orthopedic Specialist | 1-3 days |
| Back pain, numbness in limbs | Orthopedic Specialist or Neurosurgeon | Within 1 week |
| Emotional distress, anxiety | Psychologist or Psychiatrist | 1-2 weeks |
| Internal pain, bruising | Emergency Room or Primary Care Physician | Immediately |
FAQs
How soon should I see a doctor after a car accident?
Ideally, you should see a doctor within 72 hours to ensure your injuries are adequately documented for insurance and legal purposes.
What if my doctor refuses to see me after a car accident?
In such cases, visit an urgent care center or the emergency room and consult specialists experienced in handling accident injuries.
What kind of doctor should I see after a car accident?
The type of doctor depends on your symptoms. Neurologists for head injuries, orthopedic specialists for neck and back pain, and psychologists for emotional distress.
Can I still file a claim if I don’t see a doctor immediately?
Yes, but delays can complicate the claims process. Document your symptoms and seek treatment as soon as possible.
Why do some injuries show symptoms days after an accident?
Adrenaline and shock can mask pain initially, and specific injuries like whiplash or internal injuries may take time to become apparent.
What are the risks of not seeing a doctor after an accident?
Untreated injuries can worsen, and delays in treatment may reduce the compensation you can claim.
Conclusion
Seeking medical attention promptly after a car accident is crucial for both your health and your legal rights. Even if you feel fine, injuries can be hidden, and symptoms may not appear immediately. Early medical evaluation ensures that injuries are diagnosed and treated before they become more serious. It also creates essential documentation for your insurance and legal claims, making it harder for insurers to dispute the cause or severity of your injuries.
Delaying treatment can weaken your case and reduce the chances of fair compensation. By acting quickly, you not only protect your health but also strengthen your ability to secure the financial support you need to recover fully.
If you’ve been in an accident, don’t navigate the aftermath alone. The experienced attorneys at Alvendia Kelly & Demarest can help you understand your rights, guide you through the claims process, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Contact them today to discuss your case and take the first step toward recovery.
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In 2003, after being dissatisfied with the quality of legal care for victims of car accidents, Roderick ‘Rico’ Alvendia sought to establish a new firm focused on providing high-quality legal services to aid injured victims and their families. J. Bart Kelly, sharing Rico’s passion for upholding justice, joined the firm later that year, and established a partnership.
