When Should You See a Doctor After a Car Accident?

The experienced car accident attorneys at Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell, Ltd. understand the hardships accident victims endure after a serious collision. You may be facing high medical bills, disabling injuries, and time away from work that you cannot afford. We are committed to helping you recover the compensation you need to move forward.

6 Reasons to See a Doctor Right Away After a Car Accident 

Here are seven reasons why you should see a doctor right away after a car accident in Rhode Island: 

1. You Need to Get Treatment for Your Injuries

First and foremost, you need to get treatment for your injuries. You owe it to yourself, and your family, to do everything you can to recover from your injuries as fully and quickly as possible. From serious cuts and burns to concussions and lower back injuries, all types of accident-related injuries can have lasting effects if you don’t get the treatment you need. 

2. You Might Have Injuries You Cannot See or Feel

It is also important to understand that you could have injuries you can’t currently see or feel. It is not unusual for drivers and passengers to suffer internal injuries—and in many cases, these injuries do not present immediate symptoms. You can also suffer brain injuries which harm you but they can’t be seen or felt. By the time symptoms manifest, these injuries can get worse, and this can potentially increase the risks involved. 

3. Prompt Treatment Can Reduce Your Recovery Time

With all types of accident-related injuries, obtaining prompt treatment can reduce your recovery time. This means you will be back on your feet sooner, and it means you will be able to get back to your normal life as quickly as possible. 

4. Prompt Treatment Can Prevent Unnecessary Complications 

Obtaining prompt treatment can also help prevent unnecessary complications. Seeing a doctor as soon after your car accident as possible will help ensure that you do not develop such a complication. 

5. Seeing a Doctor Promptly Documents the Timing of Your Injuries 

When seeking financial compensation for a car accident, you need to be able to prove that you suffered your injuries in the crash. The longer you wait to seek treatment, the more difficult it can become to prove that your injuries are accident-related. By seeing a doctor right away, your medical records will reflect that you sought treatment promptly after your collision—and this will serve as strong evidence of the timing (and cause) of your injuries. 

6. If You Can’t Prove When You Got Injured, the Insurance Companies Will Use This Against You

If you wait to seek treatment, the insurance companies will argue that your medical records don’t necessarily prove when you got injured. They will argue that you may have suffered your injuries after the accident, and they will use this to try to deny your claim. While your doctor may still be able to show that your injuries are consistent with a car accident, this is a potential issue that you can (and should) avoid by seeking treatment promptly. 

While there are lots of reasons to see a doctor right away after a car accident, there are virtually no reasons to wait. If you have concerns about the cost of seeing a doctor, our lawyers can help you understand the options you have available. Additionally, if you are entitled to financial compensation for your car accident, the at-fault party’s insurance should cover your medical expenses eventually, and your lawyer can work with your healthcare providers to delay payment until your car accident case is resolved. 

Call Our Providence Car Accident Lawyers for FREE

Were you injured in a car accident in Rhode Island? If so, our lawyers can fight to recover just compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other losses. 

To get started with a FREE, no-obligation consultation, call (401) 273-8330 or contact us online today.