CONTACT US TODAY FOR HELP WITH YOUR CASE
Finding the Right Doctor After Getting into a Car Accident in Georgia
Car accidents are often traumatic experiences that can cause a great deal of emotional distress and leave you with physical injuries that may or may not be apparent right away. After being involved in a car accident, seeking medical attention is imperative to your health and can help ensure that any injuries are identified and treated promptly.
If you have been injured in a car accident in Atlanta, it is crucial that you see a doctor as soon as possible. Even if you don’t feel any pain or symptoms, do not delay medical care — doing so could put your health in danger and jeopardize your car crash injury claim.
Injured people in Atlanta are often faced with tough choices after a car crash, including where to go to get initial treatment. Between your primary care provider (PCP), an urgent care facility, a chiropractor or the emergency room, choosing which provider to see immediately after your accident can be overwhelming. The good news is that you have options, and finding the right medical care provider can be important to your health and your settlement.
Why Is It Important to See a Doctor After Your Accident?
After an accident, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention to ensure that any injuries are diagnosed and treated early, improving your chances of a full recovery. Adrenaline can mask pain and other symptoms, so it’s not uncommon to feel fine immediately after an accident but experience pain and other symptoms days or even weeks later.
Insurance companies also rely on medical records to determine the source and extent of your injuries and the treatment required. If you delay seeking medical attention, it could be challenging to prove that your injuries were caused by the accident or that the diagnostics and treatments prescribed were necessary for your accident-related injuries. Delays in seeking care may allow insurance companies to argue that your injuries were pre-existing or caused by something else, which can lead to a lower settlement or denial of your claim.
How to Determine Which Doctor to See After Your Accident
- Ask for referrals – If you have a PCP, they may be able to refer you to a doctor who specializes in treating car accident injuries. You can also ask friends or family members for referrals. If they have been in a car accident before, they may be able to recommend a great doctor who treated them after an accident.
- Check with your insurance provider – Your insurance provider will likely have a list of doctors who specialize in treating car accident-related injuries. If you have a medical payments (MedPay) policy, your insurance provider may require you to see a specific doctor for treatment. This may also be required if you’re involved in an accident while on the job and need to file a workers’ comp claim. Be sure to understand your policy's requirements and limitations in terms of medical care.
- Research the doctor's credentials – Once you have a list of potential doctors, research their credentials. Check to see if they are board-certified in their specialty and if they have any disciplinary actions or serious malpractice claims against them. Researching a doctor's credentials can give you peace of mind and help ensure that you receive quality care.
- Consider the doctor's specialization – After your accident, you may want to consider a doctor who specializes in treating musculoskeletal injuries, such as a physical therapist, chiropractor or orthopedic surgeon. These doctors have experience diagnosing and treating injuries commonly associated with car accidents, such as whiplash, back pain and broken bones.
- Confirm the doctor’s availability – Remember, your initial doctor’s visit must be soon after your accident to ensure your health is prioritized and to safeguard the validity of your claim. During the recovery period, you may need to see a doctor frequently for your car accident injuries. Choose a doctor who has availability that fits your schedule and the flexibility for scheduling follow-up appointments.
- Trust your instincts – If you feel comfortable with a doctor and have confidence in their abilities, it may be a sign that they could be the right fit for you. However, if you feel uneasy or uncertain about a specific doctor, it may be best to continue your search. Recovering from car accident injuries can be a long, emotional journey — be sure to find a doctor you feel good about.
Do You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer After Your Accident? Schedule Your Free Consultation with an Experienced Car Accident Attorney in Atlanta
Depending on the severity of your car accident, you may find yourself in a situation where you need legal support. If your injuries are serious and cause you to miss work, a personal injury attorney can help ensure you receive a fair settlement to cover your medical expenses, costs of living and more.
At the Law Office of Rickard, Drew & Nix, our team of Atlanta-based car accident lawyers can fight for the compensation you need to recover. Schedule your free consultation by contacting us online or by calling (404) 588-1001.
