How to Find a Doctor After a Car Accident (And What to Avoid)

It is important to find a reliable medical professional after an auto accident. This is how to find a doctor after a car accident.

No one starts their day expecting to be involved in a car accident. Unfortunately, it’s an all too common occurrence.

Car accident injuries range from minor bruises to life-threatening conditions. No matter the injury, it’s important to see a doctor who can evaluate your condition and treat you.

If another driver is responsible for your car accident injury, you could receive compensation. Seeing a doctor is an important part of your accident claim.

If you’re looking for an accident injury doctor, we can help!

Here’s how to find a doctor after a car accident.

Treatment Following a Car Accident

After any type of accident, the most pressing issue is your health. After a car accident, you want a medical professional to evaluate your injuries and make the correct diagnosis so you receive the proper treatment.

The type of doctor you see and the treatment you get depends on the extent of your injuries. Depending on your situation, you may need medical care from:

An emergency room doctor
An urgent care doctor
Your primary care doctor
A medical specialist such as a neurologist, surgeon, or psychiatrist

Emergency Room Doctor

If you sustain serious injuries, you should go directly to the emergency room. Serious car accidents can result in life-threatening injuries that must be addressed immediately.

If you need immediate medical care, call 911. An ambulance will take you to the hospital to get the treatment you need.

The ER is often the best option if you’re involved in a late-night accident. If there’s a chance of your injuries worsening, don’t wait.

ER doctors are available day and night to provide immediate care.

Primary Care Doctor or Urgent Care Doctor

If your injuries aren’t life-threatening, it’s still important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Make an appointment to see your primary care doctor or visit an urgent care center.

Urgent care centers have convenient hours. You can walk in without an appointment for medical care.

If your injuries are minor, call your primary care doctor to schedule an appointment for a physical exam for a car accident. You should know that some PCDs won’t see someone who’s been injured in a car accident.

Prompt medical care following a car accident will help ensure that you receive an accurate diagnosis and the medical care you need.

Medical Specialist

Depending on your injuries and your overall health, your doctor may refer you to a specialist. Following a car accident, you may need surgery or have certain injuries requiring specialized care.

Be sure to:

Follow your doctor’s instructions and see the specialist
Go to all of your appointments
Follow the specialist’s treatment recommendations
Follow up with a specialist as you recover from your injuries

Keep copies of all of your medical records, doctor’s notes, and medical bills. Go to all scheduled appointments and follow the recommended treatment plan.

The insurance company could try to deny your claim if you haven’t followed your doctor’s recommendations or attended your scheduled appointments. This could hurt your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, contact an experienced car accident lawyer right away.

What If Your Doctor Won’t See You

It’s common for doctors to refuse to see accident victims. Their reasons include:

They don’t bill car insurance companies
They don’t want to testify in court

There are primary care doctors who treat auto accident victims, but they are getting harder to find. If your doctor says no to treating you, contact a car accident lawyer to find a doctor near me.

They can recommend alternative options for a doctor after a car accident. If you need treatment right away, go to your local ER or urgent care center.

Do You Have to See a Doctor After a Car Accident?

Even if you feel fine after a car accident, you should still find a doctor to see after a car accident. Many auto accident injuries aren’t immediately noticeable but can worsen quickly without proper treatment.

There are a variety of injuries that may not show up right away. Some of these include:

Head and neck injuries such as whiplash, concussions, and blood clots
Internal bleeding
Spine injuries
Injury to your back, nerves, or ligaments
Fractures
Traumatic brain injury

It’s easy to overlook symptoms such as headaches, body aches, pain, swelling, or numbness. But these symptoms can indicate a serious condition.

Regardless of the injury, it’s in your best interest to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. A car accident attorney can help you find the best doctor for your needs.

When Should You Consult an Attorney?

If you’ve been injured in a car accident at no fault of your own, contact a car accident attorney right away. The statute of limitations begins on the date of your accident, so you don’t want to wait.

Your attorney can investigate your accident and help you gather evidence for your case. This can help your car accident attorney fight for your rights, prove the extent of your injuries, and get you the compensation you deserve.