Legally reviewed by:
Setareh Law
January 25, 2025

Being the victim of a car crash is a devastating, overwhelming experience. Not only do you have to heal from injuries, but you also have to keep track of your medical documentation to ensure you receive proper compensation for your injuries should you ever pursue a lawsuit.

If you are involved in a car crash, you may experience moderate to severe injuries. Regardless of the severity of your symptoms, it is important to visit a doctor who can evaluate your health and injuries post-accident. If you don’t seek prompt medical care, it will make it challenging to receive full compensation for your injuries. Here is some information on the importance of seeking medical care after a car accident.

Why You Should See a Doctor After a Car Accident

After a car accident, it is important to seek medical treatment and visit your doctor even if you aren’t experiencing any symptoms or have any obvious injuries. Emergency room doctors play a crucial role in providing urgent care and stabilizing patients with serious injuries immediately after the accident. There are many accident-related injuries that have a delayed onset. The following injuries are commonly caused by car accidents but don’t present immediate symptoms:

  • Internal bleeding
  • Whiplash
  • Sprains
  • Bone fractures
  • Neck and shoulder pain
  • Headaches

Immediate Medical Attention for Car Accident Injuries

After a car accident, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention, even if you don’t feel injured. Adrenaline can mask pain and sensations, making it difficult to recognize the severity of your injuries right away. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding or soft tissue damage, may not show immediate symptoms but still require prompt medical care to prevent complications.

Delaying medical care can worsen injuries and lead to long-term health issues. Additionally, insurance companies may use delays in treatment as a reason to deny or devalue your claims, arguing that your injuries are not related to the accident. Therefore, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial for both your health and your legal case.

Doctors You Should See After an Accident

The kind of doctor you see after your car accident injury will depend on the severity of your symptoms. If you are experiencing moderate symptoms, a visit to your general physician will suffice. Primary care doctors are essential for initial evaluations and can refer you to specialists if needed. However, if your injuries are more severe, it is probably best to seek out the expert advice of a specialist.

During your initial visit to a primary care doctor post-accident, it is important to be honest when describing your injuries. Let your physician know the level of pain or discomfort you’re experiencing and whether it is impacting your life on a daily basis. When doctors have a full understanding of your symptoms, they are best equipped to give you a proper diagnosis and treat your injuries.

Whether you see a specialist or a general physician, it is imperative that you follow their prescribed treatment plan. If you miss follow-up appointments or ignore your doctor’s instructions, you put your health and your compensation from your insurance company at risk. If you are considering legal action, it is important that you prioritize your medical care and take your treatment protocol seriously. Specialized medical professionals who treat car accident injuries can provide the necessary care and support for your recovery.

Specialist Doctors for Car Accidents

The type of doctor you need to see after a car accident depends on the severity and type of injuries you have sustained. It’s important to consult with healthcare providers experienced in treating car accident injuries to ensure you receive the best care possible. Here are some types of doctors you might need to see:

  • Emergency Medicine Physicians: These doctors work in emergency rooms and are trained to stabilize and treat patients with traumatic injuries or acute health issues. If you have sustained serious injuries, an emergency room doctor will be your first point of contact.
  • Primary Care Physicians: If your injuries are not immediately apparent, it’s important to see your primary care physician as soon as possible. They can conduct a thorough examination and refer you to specialists if needed.
  • Orthopedists: These specialists treat fractures, back injuries, and neck injuries. They are experts in the musculoskeletal system and can provide specialized care for bone and joint injuries.
  • Neurologists: If you have injuries affecting your central nervous system, including the spine and brain, a neurologist will be essential. They can diagnose and treat conditions such as traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries.

Seeing the right specialist ensures that your injuries are properly diagnosed and treated, which is crucial for your recovery and for building a strong case if you decide to pursue legal action.

Keep All Medical Documents from Your Appointments

The prescriptions, treatment plans, and medical bills from your appointments will be important evidence in your personal injury case. Without medical documentation that backs up your testimony, it will be hard to establish a strong argument in court. To ensure that you don’t lose any important documentation, it is best to make copies of important records. This ensures you can provide your lawyer with essential evidence if you choose to pursue legal action. 

The Importance of Seeking Medical Care After a Car Crash

In any car crash, the victim’s health is the primary concern. For example, a traumatic brain injury requires immediate medical attention to prevent permanent damage and lifelong disabilities. Receiving prompt medical care allows your doctor to quickly identify and treat any injuries. Even if you feel fine, only a doctor can conclude that you are truly uninjured from your crash. When injuries are left untreated, they can cause major health issues later in your life.

From a legal standpoint, it is also imperative to seek medical care after your accident. Medical documentation is some of the strongest evidence you can present in a personal injury case. Without it, it can be hard to establish that your injuries and the resulting pain are worthy of compensation. If you don’t receive medical attention in a timely manner, the defense will argue that your injuries are unrelated to your car accident.

Physical Therapy for Car Accident Recovery

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the extended rehabilitation period following a car accident. Physical therapists specialize in helping patients restore mobility lost due to soft tissue injuries. They work closely with orthopedic physicians who assess the broader scope of musculoskeletal harm, and together, they develop a personalized recovery plan tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

Engaging in physical therapy is instrumental in enhancing the quality of life for individuals after accidents, supporting their journey back into routine daily tasks. By focusing on exercises and treatments that improve strength, flexibility, and function, physical therapy helps patients regain their independence and return to their normal activities.

Navigating the Claims Process

After a car accident, navigating the claims process can be challenging. Insurance companies often try to deny or devalue claims, making it essential to have a clear understanding of the process. A personal injury attorney can help ensure you receive fair compensation by guiding you through the legal process. They can assist with gathering evidence, filing paperwork, and negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf.

Understanding the claims process and having professional legal support can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help with Your Car Accident Claim

A personal injury attorney can provide invaluable legal advice and guide you through the legal process as you file your insurance claim. They can help preserve evidence, conduct a thorough investigation, and handle communication with the insurance company. An attorney can also help you claim other economic and non-economic damages, including damaged property, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

If you’re hoping to receive compensation for the injuries you have sustained after a car accident, hiring professional legal representation is highly recommended. An experienced attorney will advocate for your rights and work tirelessly to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.

Seeking Legal Counsel After a Car Accident

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, be sure to secure the experienced legal counsel of a knowledgeable personal injury attorney. At Setareh Law, our car accident lawyers are here to provide you with the representation you deserve. We understand the stress of being injured by a negligent party and will exhaust every available resource to help ensure that you receive proper compensation for your injuries. To schedule a free consultation with one of our trusted attorneys, complete an online contact form or call today at (310) 659-1826