You've been in an accident and your body is sore and aching. The adrenaline has worn off and now you're really feeling the effects of the collision. You know you should see a doctor, but you're not sure if your injuries warrant emergency care or if you can schedule a visit with your regular physician. When it comes to car accidents, timing is critical. The sooner you get checked out by a medical professional, the better. Talk with an Austin car accident lawyer for help understanding how the treatment factors into your car accident case. Here are some guidelines to help determine if you need to call 911 or if you can schedule an appointment with your doctor's office.
Seeking Medical Care Immediately After an Accident
Seeking medical attention immediately following a car accident is critical. Delaying medical care can worsen injuries, lead to long-term health issues, and complicate legal claims.
See a Doctor Right Away
If you experience injuries like head trauma, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe bleeding after an accident, call 911 for emergency assistance immediately. For less severe yet still painful injuries like whiplash, back strain, or concussion, visit your doctor or an urgent care center within 24 to 48 hours of the accident.
Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications and support proper healing. Your doctor can examine you for internal injuries, order diagnostic tests if needed, provide medication for pain management, and recommend a treatment plan to promote recovery.
Document Your Injuries
Ask your doctor for copies of all medical reports, test results, diagnoses, and recommended treatments. This documentation will serve as official evidence of injuries sustained in the accident and may be required should you pursue legal action. Your medical records, combined with photos of your vehicle, can help establish a timeline of events and determine fault.
Seeking prompt medical attention and maintaining records of your treatment are vital steps to take after any car accident. Your health and ability to recover compensation for damages depend on quick action and thorough documentation. Do not delay—get checked out by a doctor right away.
Why You Should Get Checked Out, Even if You Feel Fine
Even if you feel fine after an accident, it is critical that you see a doctor as soon as possible for a medical evaluation. There are several reasons why:
Internal Injuries
Traumatic injuries from car accidents can often lead to internal bleeding or organ damage that may not cause immediate pain or symptoms. A medical exam, including diagnostic testing like X-rays, CT scans, and MRI's, can identify internal injuries so you can get the necessary treatment right away.
Whiplash
Soft tissue injuries known as whiplash are common in rear-end collisions and other accidents that cause sudden impact. Whiplash often does not appear until hours or days after an accident. Seeking prompt medical care means you can get a diagnosis, treatment like physical therapy, medication for pain management, and proper documentation of your injuries.
Concussions
Even a minor head injury can cause a concussion with potentially serious consequences if left untreated. Only a doctor can properly assess if you have suffered a concussion, determine the severity, and prescribe a treatment plan to avoid complications.
Legal Documentation
Receiving timely medical evaluation and treatment creates an official record of your injuries that may be important for insurance claims or legal matters related to your accident. Without proper documentation, it may be difficult to obtain coverage for medical bills or compensation for pain and suffering.
Seeing a doctor right away after any car accident, no matter how minor it seems, is the safest course of action for your health and legal rights. Don't delay - get checked out immediately.
The Statute of Limitations: Don't Wait Too Long
The statute of limitations refers to the maximum time period you have to file a lawsuit. In most states, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is between 1 to 3 years. However, the clock starts ticking from the date of your accident or injury.
See a Doctor Immediately
The sooner you seek medical attention after an accident, the better. Early diagnosis and treatment of injuries is critical. Delaying medical care can exacerbate injuries, complicate recovery, and reduce the value of your claim. It also provides documentation to support your case.
Within the first week following an accident, you should schedule an appointment with your primary doctor or visit an urgent care clinic for an exam and any necessary tests like X-rays, CT scans or MRIs. Even if you feel fine after an accident, hidden injuries could exist. Whiplash, concussions and internal damage may not show symptoms for hours or days.
\n\n###Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer
After receiving initial medical care, meet with a personal injury lawyer. They can investigate your accident, determine fault and liability, and advise you on the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit. The sooner you consult with an attorney, the more time they have to build your case, gather evidence and determine the best legal course of action.
While 2 years may seem like plenty of time, cases can take months to investigate and prepare. The statute of limitations deadline will sneak up quickly. Don’t delay in seeing a doctor or meeting with an attorney. Failure to take prompt action could jeopardize your health, claim and right to recover damages. Your health and legal rights should be top priority after an accident.
Documenting Your Injuries
After an accident, it’s critical to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. While you may feel fine immediately following the crash due to an adrenaline rush, injuries can appear or worsen over the next few hours or days. The sooner you get medical attention, the better.
Documenting Your Injuries
Seeking prompt medical care serves two important purposes. First, it allows doctors to properly assess your condition, diagnose any injuries, and prescribe a treatment plan to promote healing and minimize long-term issues. Second, the records from your initial visit become important evidence if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim.
Within the first 1-2 days following an accident, be examined by a physician, preferably at an emergency room or urgent care center. Explain the details of your accident to the doctor so they know which areas require extra attention. Undergo any recommended testing like X-rays, CT scans or MRIs to check for internal damage. Have the doctor document any cuts, bruises, fractures, sprains or other injuries in your medical records.
Request copies of all test results and keep records of follow-up visits with your doctor. Track the dates of your appointments, treatments received and time missed from work. Note how your injuries impacted your daily activities and quality of life. These details strengthen your claim should you pursue legal action against the at-fault party.
While there are no hard and fast rules about when it becomes “too late” to see a doctor after an accident, a good rule of thumb is within 3 to 5 days. The more time that elapses, the harder it becomes to prove your injuries were caused by the crash and not another event. Seeking prompt medical help is in your best interest physically, emotionally and legally following a car accident. Don’t delay—get checked out right away.
FAQs: Common Questions About Seeing a Doctor After an Accident
After an accident, seeking medical attention promptly is critical to your health and any potential legal claims. However, there are limits to how long you have to see a doctor before it may be considered “too late.”
When should I see a doctor?
You should see a doctor as soon as possible after an accident, ideally within 1-2 days. Early diagnosis and treatment of injuries is key to a full recovery. Even if you feel fine after an accident, there may be internal injuries or conditions that are not yet apparent. It is best to get checked out right away.
What if I didn’t go to the doctor right away?
If more than a week has passed since your accident before seeing a doctor, your injuries and conditions may be more difficult to properly diagnose and treat. However, as long as you are still experiencing pain, limited mobility or other issues, it is not necessarily too late. You should consult with a doctor as soon as you are able. They can examine you, order tests if needed and begin appropriate treatment.
Will waiting to see a doctor affect a potential claim?
In some cases, waiting too long to get medical attention after an accident could impact a personal injury claim. The other party may argue that your injuries were not that severe or even pre-existing if you did not see a doctor promptly. That said, as long as you seek medical care as soon as you reasonably can, and are able to show a clear connection between your injuries and the accident, you may still have a valid claim. It is best to consult with a personal injury attorney regarding the details of your unique situation.
The bottom line
While seeking medical help immediately after an accident is best, as long as you act as soon as you reasonably can given your condition, it is typically not considered “too late” to see a doctor. However, for the best diagnosis, treatment and legal position, the sooner the better. If in doubt, consult a medical and legal professional.
Call Fletcher Law For Help With Your Car Accident
If you have been in a car accident, it is critical to seek medical attention as soon as possible. While adrenaline may mask pain or injuries initially, symptoms can appear or worsen over the first few days following an accident.
Seek Medical Care Promptly
Promptly visiting your doctor or an urgent care center after an accident is vital to your health and any potential personal injury claim. Within the first 1-2 days following a collision, you should be evaluated by a medical professional. They can properly assess any injuries or pain, run necessary tests, and determine an appropriate treatment plan. Failure to get timely medical attention could allow injuries to become more severe and complicate the recovery process.
Document Your Injuries and Treatment
Be sure to document any diagnosis, test results, or recommendations from your doctor following the accident. Medical records, bills, and correspondence from health care providers are critical evidence for insurance claims and possible litigation. Note the date of your initial visit, any subsequent treatment, prescribed medications or physical therapy, and the expected recovery time for your injuries. Gathering this documentation will help to establish that your injuries were caused by the accident in question.
If you have suffered injuries in a car accident, the experienced attorneys at Fletcher Law can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. We handle personal injury claims for clients throughout the region, taking on insurance companies to fight for the maximum settlement or verdict in your case. For a free consultation on your car accident injury claim, call Fletcher Law today.