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Car accidents can result in injuries, from minor bruises to life-threatening conditions.
As a car accident lawyer who has handled many cases over the years, I discovered that it is critical to immediately go to the right doctor who can back up your compensation claim.
But the question is, what doctor should you see? In this article, I will tell you who you should see after a car accident and why.
Quick Summary
- Prompt medical attention and therapy after an auto accident can help you keep your claim's value.
- Your injuries' severity determines the therapy you require following a vehicle accident.
- After you have a car accident, it's not an easy task to find the right doctor.
Why Should You See a Doctor Right Away After a Car Accident?
You should see a doctor right away after an accident because it can be critical to your health and improve the odds of a faster recovery. Also, medical care can help protect the value of any potential car accident claim [1].
Many car accident injuries, such as whiplash, back problems, traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, soft tissue injuries, and other severe ailments, might not cause evident symptoms but require medical treatment.
Without seeking medical care immediately, these sorts of car accident injuries can get worse.
After an auto accident, prompt medical attention and therapy may help preserve your claim's value. Insurance companies frequently use delays in treatment as a reason to deny or devalue claims.
Related Article: Car Accident Lawsuits
What Doctor Should I See To Treat a Car Accident Injury?
Specialist Selection Framework
Immediate Care Needed If:
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe pain
- Bleeding or visible trauma
- Neck or back pain
- Head impact → Emergency Room
Urgent Care/Primary Care If:
- Delayed onset pain
- Mild discomfort
- No visible trauma
- Minor whiplash symptoms → Primary Care Physician
Specialist Referral Matrix
| Symptoms | Primary Specialist | Secondary Specialist |
|---|---|---|
| Neck Pain/Whiplash | Orthopedist | Physical Therapist |
| Back Pain | Spine Specialist | Pain Management |
| Head Trauma | Neurologist | Cognitive Specialist |
| Soft Tissue Injury | Physical Therapist | Orthopedist |
Types of Doctors You May Need
- Emergency Room Doctor: Treats acute injuries requiring immediate attention.
- Primary Care Physician (PCP): Provides general assessments and referrals.
- Personal Injury Specialists: Focuses on injury treatment and rehabilitation.
- Pain Management Doctors: Treats chronic or severe pain conditions.
- Radiologists: Conduct imaging tests like X-rays and MRIs.
- Trauma Surgeons: Handles severe physical trauma from accidents.
- Orthopedic Surgeons: Specializes in bone, joint, and ligament injuries.
- Neurologists: Treats brain and nerve-related injuries.
- Burn Specialists: Addresses serious burns from accidents.
- Plastic Surgeons: Helps with reconstructive surgery for severe facial or body injuries.
- General Surgeons: Treats internal injuries requiring surgery.
- Physical Therapists: Aids in rehabilitation and restoring mobility.
Why Did My Doctor Send Me to a Specialist?
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist if they believe further evaluation and treatment are required. For example, an orthopedic surgeon would handle broken bones, while a neurologist would assess head trauma. Insurance companies typically require specialist reports to validate injury claims, making these referrals crucial for both medical and legal reasons.
Some primary care doctors avoid treating car accident injuries due to complex billing processes and potential legal involvement. In such cases, seeking a specialist ensures proper care and documentation.
Patient Journey Timeline
| Timeframe | Action Steps |
| Day 0 | Emergency assessment and initial medical evaluation. |
| Day 1-3 | Visit primary care physician or urgent care for follow-up. |
| Week 1 | Referral to specialists if needed. Imaging tests may be performed. |
| Week 2-4 | Start treatment plan, including therapy and pain management. |
| Month 1+ | Continue rehabilitation, monitor progress, and document recovery. |
"Some PCPs don't want to provide treatment to people who have been injured in automobile accidents because of the added paperwork and different billing processes involved. Some doctors are not accustomed to billing auto insurers and are not set up to do so. Other doctors do not want to be involved in a potential litigation process."
- Steven M. Sweat, Principal Attorney
Insurance and Documentation Guide
- Required Medical Records: Keep detailed reports from ER visits, specialist assessments, and therapy sessions.
- Insurance Communication Timeline: Notify your insurance provider immediately and maintain all correspondence.
- Legal Documentation: Maintain medical bills, reports, and progress notes for potential claims.
- Medical Bill Management: Track costs, seek reimbursement options, and explore payment plans if necessary.
Treatment Success Stories
Case 1: Severe Whiplash Recovery
Initial Symptoms: Neck stiffness and headaches post-accident.
Treatment Path: Physical therapy and chiropractic care.
Outcome: Full mobility restored after 8 weeks.
Case 2: Concussion and Head Trauma
Initial Symptoms: Dizziness and memory loss.
Treatment Path: Neurology consultation, cognitive therapy.
Outcome: Improved cognitive function within three months.
Red Flags: When to Seek Urgent Medical Attention
- Persistent or worsening headaches.
- Numbness or tingling sensations.
- Progressive pain that does not improve.
- Loss of range of motion in limbs.
- Memory issues or confusion.
Cost and Coverage Considerations
- Insurance Coverage: Understand what your auto and health insurance covers.
- Out-of-Pocket Costs: Some treatments may not be fully covered.
- Payment Plans: Many medical providers offer financing options.
- Documentation for Claims: Keep all medical expenses well-documented for reimbursement.
Related Article: Settlement to Expect for a Herniated Disc
See all related personal injury and accident lawsuits we've taken on.
FAQs
After a Car Accident, Should I See My Family Doctor or a Specialist?
After a car accident, you should see your primary care doctor for treatment and follow-up.
Do You Always Have to See a Doctor After a Car Accident?
Yes, you always have to see a doctor after a car accident, even if you are not hurt. It would help if you always got yourself checked out after a car accident.
What Type of Treatment Should You Receive After a Vehicle Accident?
The type of treatment you should receive after a vehicle accident depends on how bad your injuries are.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Schmidt & Clark, LLP personal injury attorneys can help if you've been in a car accident. Our team of personal injury lawyers has over a decade of experience with personal injury law and can help guide you in filing a personal injury lawsuit.
We want to help you get the compensation you need and deserve. Contact us now for a free consultation so you can start your road to recovery today.
References:
- https://www.onmedical.co.uk/news/why-do-i-need-a-medical-report/