Updated: 12/09/2024
Car Accident Doctor
Whether your injuries are minor or catastrophic, getting into a car accident is one of the most frightening and stressful situations you can ever find yourself in, and often through no fault of your own. (Learn more about Florida Auto Accident Statistics) Understandably, you may feel confused after an accident, not knowing what steps to take next, and that is OK; we are here to help. Learn why going to the doctor after a car accident is in your best interests.
Should I See a Doctor After a Car Accident?
The first thing to recognize after a car accident is that seeing a doctor as soon as possible is vital. For insurance purposes, you must receive an examination and diagnosis from a doctor within 72 hours of your accident. Otherwise, the insurance company can possibly deny your claim.
Fortunately, you have options. You are not required to receive treatment from your primary care physician or an ER doctor; Chiropractors, physical therapists, and pain management specialists can all offer you the same post-accident medical exam and give you the information you need to satisfy your insurance company promptly.
Car Accident Chiropractic
In insurance companies’ computer systems, chiropractors are considered equivalent to MDs. They are also doctors, just different types of doctors. A chiropractor can offer you a thorough examination, including X-rays, and they offer many medical services beyond chiropractic adjustments.
When you are at your examination appointment, be sure to tell the chiropractor everything you can remember about your accident, and be sure to inform him/her of any pain or discomfort you may be feeling or anything else you believe feels abnormal. Giving your doctor every detail will only help with your diagnosis.
Things To Discuss With Your Doctor After a Car Accident
You must be honest and open when conversing with your chiropractor after an auto accident. You have no reason to feel ashamed admitting when there is something you can’t do, and being upfront about your pain, limitations, and activity level will only assist your doctor in providing the best medical treatments so you can feel better as soon as possible.
Things to share with your doctor:
- Your full medical history
- How the car accident has injured you
- What treatments you will need to receive
- Whether or not you are able to work
- Your prognosis
I Feel Fine! Should I Still See a Doctor?
A commonly asked question centers around whether someone who doesn’t feel injured after an accident should still see an accident doctor. Those involved in even minor accidents and fender benders assume they do not require medical attention if their injuries aren’t blatant. If you don’t see any injuries, if there’s no blood, and you don’t feel poorly, you assume you’re alright, which can be problematic. When you’re involved in an accident, anything can happen. Just because you can’t see or feel an injury doesn’t mean that you haven’t done any internal damage.
Internal bleeding, whiplash, bruised/punctured organs, and other internal injuries can occur even in a minor car accident. The assumption you’re okay is dangerous because the injuries you’ve incurred can worsen when left untreated. Always see a doctor immediately after an accident.
Why Is Seeing A Doctor After an Accident So Important?
Each time you see a physician, they will chart your history and symptoms, their medical findings, and the best course of treatment. This information can assist in connecting your injuries to the accident and help calculate your potential settlement damages.
For these reasons, you should make sure to:
- Try to minimize gaps in treatment and follow up with your physicians regularly
- Keep receiving treatment for as long as you have pain
- Be honest with your doctors about your symptoms and their origins
- Follow your chiropractor’s medical advice as best you can
- Failure to follow these guidelines can potentially hamper your settlement case
Suppose your accident doctor believes you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. In that case, he/she will also be able to help you get into contact with a personal injury attorney, who may be able to help you collect compensation from negligent parties. This is another reason why securing an immediate medical examination is so important. Your attorney will have a much easier time making your case in court if they have all the necessary medical information.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident, even if you aren’t feeling any immediate pain, it is imperative that you see an experienced car accident doctor who knows what to look for when examining a car accident victim. Please call us today at (407) 900-7246 (PAIN) or schedule an appointment online.
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