Should I Go To The Doctor After A Car Accident?

Car accident injuries can vary from minor and inconvenient to life-threatening. Some of the most common ones include:

• Whiplash: Whiplash is a neck injury caused by the sudden back-and-forth motion of the head. This often occurs in rear-end collisions and results in neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.
• Bone fractures: The force of a collision can result in bone fractures in the arms, legs, and ribs.
• Head injuries: The impact of a crash can result in a head injury. This can range from a mild concussion to severe brain damage.
• Cuts and bruises: Cuts and bruises can occur when a vehicle occupant makes contact with broken glass or sharp objects during a crash.
• Soft tissue injuries: These injuries affect muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They often include pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.
• Burns: Burns often occur in crashes involving fire or explosions. These can range from minor burns to more severe third-degree burns.
• Internal injuries: This involves trauma to the internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys.

What are hidden injuries after a car accident?

Hidden injuries after a car accident are the ones you don’t feel right away. These injuries can be masked by adrenaline or shock. Or they can take days, and possibly weeks, to produce symptoms. That’s why it’s important to see a doctor immediately after a crash.

A medical evaluation can help identify hidden injuries. This creates a link between your injury and the crash. Plus, it allows you to treat the injury before it gets worse.

The cost of going to a doctor after a car accident can vary depending on the severity of your injuries, the type of medical care you need, your health insurance coverage, and your location.

Some of the medical expenses that you may accrue after a crash include:

• Emergency room fees
• Ambulance fees
• Follow-up care
• Imaging and diagnostic tests
• Prescription medications
• Long-term rehabilitation

It's important to keep all documentation of your medical expenses, including bills, receipts, and insurance statements.

Who pays for my medical expenses after a car accident?

If the car accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, the at-fault party’s insurance company would typically be responsible for paying for your medical expenses. However, if the at-fault party is uninsured, you may have to seek compensation from your own insurance provider.

Some states require drivers to purchase uninsured motorist coverage (UM), which covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and vehicle damage if you’re involved in a crash with an uninsured driver. However, not all states require UM. If you live in a state where UM coverage is optional, consider adding it to your policy. It will save you a lot of trouble if you ever find yourself in this situation.

Other options for car insurance injury payouts include:

• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): This pays for your medical expenses and lost wages, no matter who is responsible for your crash. PIP is mandatory in 12 states, 11 of which are no-fault states. In some states, PIP is optional.
• Medical Payments (MedPay): MedPay covers your medical expenses if you’re involved in a crash. This type of coverage is an optional add-on in most states. However, it’s required in New Hampshire and Maine. It’s not available in Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, or Oregon. 
• Your own health insurance: You can use your own health insurance to pay for your medical costs. However, this may come with some out-of-pocket expenses. Many health insurance plans cover a certain portion of your medical bills, but co-payments still apply.

It’s always best practice to see a doctor for whiplash. If left untreated, it can lead to prolonged neck pain, headaches, stiffness, loss of range of motion, and chronic symptoms. Early intervention can help manage and alleviate the symptoms and prevent future complications.

How long should you be sore after a car accident?

The duration of pain and soreness after a car accident can vary, depending on your overall health and the severity of your injury. It’s common to experience soreness for several days or weeks after a car accident, particularly if you have soft tissue damage or other minor injuries. However, prolonged pain and soreness could be a sign of a more serious injury.

What kind of treatment will my doctor recommend?

The type of treatment your doctor will recommend depends on the type of injury you sustain. For minor injuries such as whiplash, concussion, or soft tissue injuries, your doctor may recommend rest, pain medication, and activity modification. 

For broken bones, spinal injuries, or head injuries, you may need surgery, physical therapy, and long-term rehabilitation.

The statute of limitations to file a personal injury claim depends on which state you live in. Most states allow two or three years to file a claim. However, some states allow up to six years, while others only allow one year.

It’s best to file a claim as soon as possible. When you act fast, your attorney can gather evidence while it’s fresh and use it to build a strong claim.

When you consult with a Law.com Premier Car Accident Lawyer, you maximize your chances of getting compensation for an auto accident injury. Our verified attorneys will thoroughly investigate your crash, present the facts, and negotiate with insurance companies for a fair financial settlement.

If you or a loved one was injured in a crash, don’t wait! Contact a lawyer near you for a free consultation. It won’t cost you any money upfront. That’s because Premier Attorneys work on a contingency fee basis and only get paid if they win your case.