After a car accident, it is generally recommended to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you don’t immediately feel injured. There are three reasons why it’s important to see car accident doctors for a medical evaluation after an accident. It is still important to go if you aren’t injured enough to go to the Emergency Room or you don’t think you are injured:
- Appropriate medical care can help accident victims recover from their injuries more effectively.
- There are several types of car accident injuries where symptoms don’t show up for one or more days after the accident.
- In order to get a fair car accident settlement from the at-fault driver and their insurance company, the insurance adjuster will expect to see documented medical history that you sought and received medical care for your injuries.
What Types of Car Accident Doctors Should I See?
The type of doctor you should see after a car accident depends on the nature and severity of your injuries. Here are a few types of doctors commonly involved in post-accident medical care:
Emergency Room Physician. Go to an emergency room if you have serious injuries or experience symptoms that require immediate attention. Some reasons can be severe pain, bleeding, broken bones, or loss of consciousness. Emergency room physicians can evaluate and stabilize your condition.
Primary Care Physician (PCP). Your primary care physician can be a good starting point for non-life-threatening injuries. They can assess your overall health, provide initial treatment, and refer you to specialists if needed. They can also coordinate your care and medical records.
Orthopedic Surgeon. If you have broken bones, fractures, joint injuries, or musculoskeletal problems, an orthopedic surgeon specializes in diagnosing and treating such conditions. They can provide surgical and non-surgical interventions to address your injuries.
Chiropractor. If you experience neck or back pain or have musculoskeletal issues, a chiropractor can evaluate and treat conditions related to the spine, joints, and nervous system. They may use techniques like spinal adjustments, massages, and physical therapy.
Physical Therapist. Physical therapists specialize in rehabilitative exercises and techniques to restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve function. They can help you recover from injuries, manage pain, and regain strength and flexibility.
Neurologist. If you have experienced head trauma, concussions, or nerve-related symptoms, a neurologist can assess your neurological function, order tests (such as MRI or CT scans), and provide appropriate treatment and management plans.
It’s important to consult with a medical professional who can evaluate your specific condition and recommend and refer you to appropriate treatment options. If you are unsure, consider contacting your primary care physician for initial guidance or visit the emergency room if you have severe symptoms.
How do I pay for the cost of medical care after a car accident?
There are three main ways to pay for medical care after a car accident.
- If you have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, you can open a claim with your insurance provider. They will allow your medical providers to bill the claim directly. Then, your insurer will attempt to get reimbursement for the money they have paid out. This is done so from the at-fault insurance company.
- You can pay for your medical bills out-of-pocket and then reimburse yourself once you receive your car accident settlement. It is very important to keep all billing statements and work with an experienced car accident lawyer who can ensure that you receive full compensation for your medical expenses, along with other damages such as pain and suffering and lost wages.
- Your car accident lawyer can make arrangements with your medical providers to hold off on billing for medical services until the settlement is paid out.
Seek the help of a car accident lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced car accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
