One of the most important first steps after a car accident is getting to a doctor. Immediate medical attention can help stabilize your injuries to keep them from getting worse. It may also help reduce the risk of long-term side effects.
Seeing a doctor soon after a crash may also help establish a causal link between the accident and your injuries. This can help strengthen your claim for compensation. Our experienced auto collision lawyers in South Bend are prepared to investigate your claim and build a strong case against the liable party.
Call us today to schedule a free consultation. There are no upfront fees, and no obligation to take legal action. There is no risk to you.
Below, we discuss some things to keep in mind when choosing a doctor to treat your accident injuries.
Should I Go to the Emergency Room?
Not every accident results in injuries that require emergency medical attention. However, it is generally a good idea to call an ambulance or other emergency medical service to the scene of an accident. This is because the decision of whether your injuries should be treated in the emergency room should be left to the professionals.
Due to the adrenaline in your system from the crash, you may not feel your injuries right away. Having someone like an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) evaluate you at the scene could help determine whether you require more thorough treatment in the emergency room. Therefore, whether you should go to the emergency room depends on the severity of your injuries.
If you chose to decline treatment at the scene, though, you should get to a doctor as soon as possible.
Can I See My Primary Care Provider?
The type of doctor you choose to see after an accident is important. Many people assume their Primary Care Provider (PCP) is the right option. This can be true in some cases, but there are some facts to consider before making this decision.
First, your PCP may seem like a good choice of doctor to treat you because he or she knows your medical history and you are familiar with him or her. It can be a comforting option. However, your PCP may not be equipped with the medical knowledge to treat your injuries.
For example, if you need treatment for a herniated disc, whiplash or other soft tissue injury. Even diagnosing these types of injuries can require a referral to another medical facility or specialist.
Can I Choose the Specialists Treating Me?
Generally, yes, you may be able to choose who your treating doctors and specialists will be. However, most people are not familiar with doctors in every field of medicine. Therefore, you may have to rely on reviews from other patients or recommendations from friends and family.
Our attorneys are familiar with various specialists in different fields, so we may be able to make recommendations based on feedback from other clients. However, the specialist you choose to treat your injuries is ultimately up to you.
It is important to keep in mind that your health insurance may not cover the costs of any specialist, so you may be limited to a pool of doctors within your network.
If upfront costs become an issue, our attorneys may be able to negotiate a lower rate with doctors outside your network. This option is generally a last resort as letters of protection can have some negative effects on claims.
What if I Disagree with a Medical Opinion?
If you do not agree with one doctor’s recommendations for treatment, you have the right to seek a second or third opinion. For example, if you do not think surgery is the right option, you can meet with other doctors to determine whether there are other treatments available.
One thing you should not do if you disagree with a doctor’s recommendation is to stop treatment. Not only can this hurt your claim for compensation, but it can significantly impact how quickly you recover from your injuries.
If you disagree with the medical advice of your doctor, let your attorney know. He or she may be able to recommend a different doctor and provide legal advice on your next move.
We Are Ready to Help. Call Us Today
Not only is it important to seek medical attention after a crash, but it is also important to get the right kind of help. Our attorneys are prepared to help you choose the right doctor in addition to helping you through the legal process of filing a claim.
Medical costs and other damages can quickly add up, so it is important to work with an attorney who has the resources and experience to help. At Pfeifer, Morgan and Stesiak, our lawyers have decades of experience helping accident victims secure maximum compensation.
No upfront fees for our services. Call (574) 444-0741 today.
