Should I See a Doctor After a Car Accident?

A question we often hear is, “When should I see a doctor after a car accident?” Simply put, you should always see a doctor after a car accident and do it as soon as possible. This answer stands irrespective of whether or not you feel pain immediately following the incident.

Perhaps a more appropriate question would be, “Why should I see a doctor after a car accident?” Car accidents can be anything from a minor annoyance to a devastating tragedy. Throughout the experience, the most important thing to think of is your health. Once that is taken care of, you’ll need to consider how you’ll be compensated for your losses.

First, see a doctor after a car accident. Second, contact the honest, persistent, and responsive Orlando car accident lawyers at Colling Gilbert Wright. Call (407) 712-7300 today to schedule a FREE consultation. We will pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries while you focus on healing.

Why See a Doctor After a Car Accident?

As we’ve stated above, your health is your priority. If there is a possibility that you’ve been injured in a car accident, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. If your injuries don’t seem urgent, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider as soon as possible.

Here are some of the reasons that we recommend seeking immediate medical attention following a car accident. Acting quickly is not just beneficial—it’s essential.

Prioritizing Your Health

The paramount reason to see a doctor after an accident is simple—your health. Car accidents can cause serious harm, and addressing any injuries you may have sustained immediately is crucial. By doing so, you can start the necessary treatments immediately and increase your chances of a full recovery.

Accurate Diagnosis & Delayed Symptoms

Car accidents can lead to a plethora of health problems. Some car accident injuries may be as minimal as a bruise or scrape. However, you could suffer more devastating wounds, such as traumatic brain injury, whiplash, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and organ damage, among others.

Some of these injuries may not show symptoms right away and can only be accurately diagnosed through a proper medical evaluation. It is essential to see a doctor who can conduct a comprehensive examination and diagnose any injury you may have sustained.

Not all injuries present themselves immediately. Some may take hours, and others may take weeks to manifest. For instance, symptoms of whiplash—a common injury in car accidents—are often delayed. They might not show up until days after the incident.

Internal injuries may not be immediately apparent either. These can lead to serious, even life-threatening, complications if left untreated. Seeing a doctor immediately after an accident increases the chance of identifying these injuries early.

Medical Documentation

When working with insurance companies or if you need to file a personal injury claim, having a medical record that links your injuries to the accident is critical. Visiting a doctor immediately after the accident helps establish a timely connection between the accident and your injuries. This medical documentation can significantly strengthen your case and increase the likelihood of a successful claim.

Remember to keep accurate records and copies of all documentation concerning your injury and claim. These could include:

• Journal of events (doctors visits, pain levels, treatment plans, etc.)
• Medical bills
• Receipts for prescriptions
• Proof of missed work

Insurance Claims

Do not wait to see a doctor after a car accident in Florida. Every driver can apply to their Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policy to reimburse them for a portion of their medical costs and lost wages. However, the insurance company could deny your claim if you wait too long to see a doctor.

If you don’t seek prompt medical care, the insurance company may argue that your injuries were not severe enough to warrant compensation or weren’t related to the accident. They could also say that your decision to postpone treatment is responsible for your increased medical expenses.

Personal Injury Claims

In the event that you need to pursue compensation outside of your PIP insurance coverage, you will need to provide accurate and complete documentation of your injuries and prove their relation to the accident. Seeking medical treatment rapidly helps your case for causation, bolstering your claim. 

Additionally, personal injury claims have a statute of limitations. If that statute of limitations expires, you will not be able to pursue compensation for any additional accident-related losses.

When to See a Doctor After a Car Accident

Ideally, you should visit a doctor as soon as you can following a car accident. You should go to the emergency room immediately if you’re severely injured. If your injuries are not life-threatening, schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. Don’t wait for symptoms to show up before seeking medical attention.

When utilizing your PIP insurance, Florida Statute 627.736(1)(a) requires that you seek initial medical care within 14 days of your car accident. If you do not receive care within that time, you will likely lose the ability to claim PIP benefits.

The statute of limitations on most Florida personal injury cases, including car accidents, is four years from the date that the injury occurred (§ 95.11(3)(a)). However, these limitations can vary depending on the circumstances of your claim. The delayed onset of an injury or whether a wrongful death occurred are two of the factors that could impact the statute of limitations. It is in your best interest to consult an Orlando car accident attorney after you’ve received medical care.

Common Injuries After a Car Accident

Some of the common injuries suffered in a car accident include:

• Lacerations
• Bruises
• Burns
• Concussion
• Brain Injury
• Back Injury
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Fractures
• Dislocation
• Soft Tissue Damage
• Nerve Injury
• Internal Bleeding & Organ Damage

Why Should You Hire an Orlando Car Accident Attorney?

Seeing a doctor after a car accident is imperative for several reasons. It ensures timely and accurate diagnosis, provides necessary medical documentation for any potential insurance or personal injury claims, satisfies the requirements of your PIP coverage, and, most importantly, protects your health.

Your health should always be your top priority, and seeking immediate medical attention after a car accident is a crucial step in preserving it. If you are nervous about the costs of medical care, it is important to understand that PIP insurance will reimburse you for a portion of your medical bills and lost wages. Pursuing additional compensation may be an option in your case as well. Your physical and mental well-being, however, cannot be replaced.

See a doctor after a car accident. Then, contact an experienced Orlando car accident lawyer to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your losses. Schedule a FREE consultation with Colling Gilbert Wright. We proudly serve clients throughout Florida.