Should I See My Primary Care Doctor After a South Bend Car Accident?

After a car accident in South Bend, visit your primary care doctor to obtain relevant information about your health and potential legal claim. Primary care doctors can provide essential medical documents and treatment plans that support your recovery process.

If you have been involved in a car accident, call our South Bend car accident attorney after you visit your doctor. Our firm is here to answer any questions that you may have regarding your specific incident. We do not charge any upfront costs or fees for our legal services, and only get paid after we have secured your compensation.

Call for a free consultation at (574) 444-0741.

How Soon Should I See My Primary Doctor After the Accident?

Visit your primary care doctor within 72 hours of your accident, even if you received emergency care. Some injuries take hours or days to show symptoms.

After a car accident, victims may have injuries that seem minor at first but develop into serious conditions. Common delayed symptoms include headaches indicating possible concussions or neck and shoulder pain suggesting whiplash.

Tell your doctor about all symptoms, even minor ones. Following up with your doctor helps you:

• Start proper treatment promptly
• Identify potential complications
• Prevent conditions from worsening
• Create a clear link between the accident and your injuries

Will Seeing My Primary Doctor Help With My Insurance Claim?

Your primary doctor’s medical records serve as vital evidence for your insurance claim. These records show when your injuries occurred and detail their extent.

Primary care doctors also:

• Show your recovery progress
• Prove ongoing medical issues
• Document your treatment needs

Insurance companies often look for gaps in medical treatment. Seeing your primary doctor regularly shows you are taking your injuries seriously. This consistent care strengthens your claim for compensation.

Your doctor’s professional opinion carries significant weight with insurance adjusters. Their assessment helps determine your treatment duration and how your injuries affect your daily activities.

The nature and severity of your injuries impact your compensation amount. For example, you may need more compensation to cover ongoing physical therapy, while minor injuries requiring only rest and ice may result in lower compensation. Remember, compensation varies based on individual circumstances and injury types from the car crash.

What Medical Records Should I Request From My Primary Doctor for My Claim?

After your car accident, request complete copies of all medical records related to your injuries.

Important documents include:

• Medical bills
• Progress notes
• Treatment plans
• Prescription records
• Diagnostic test results
• Referrals to specialists
• Work restriction orders
• Initial examination notes

Keep detailed records of all doctor visits, treatment start dates, medication changes, physical therapy sessions and recovery milestones or setbacks. Maintaining complete records of your medical expenses helps support claims for future medical needs.

Does My Primary Doctor Need To Communicate With My Attorney?

Your primary doctor may need to communicate with your attorney to explain complex medical issues. For example, if a car crash victim faces a traumatic brain injury, an attorney may contact a doctor to determine pain and suffering compensation related to that injury.

Other reasons your primary doctor may speak to your attorney:

• Provide expert opinions
• Clarify treatment needs
• Support future care requirements
• Answer specific questions about your injuries

Your attorney might request written medical narratives, detailed prognosis reports, disability assessments, treatment cost estimates and expert testimony to fight for your claim.

Keep in mind that you will need to sign medical release forms allowing your doctor to share information with your attorney. Your primary doctor’s involvement strengthens your legal claim while ensuring you receive proper medical care. They understand your medical history and can identify accident-related changes in your health.

Call Pfeifer, Morgan & Stesiak After You Have Suffered From a Car Crash Injury

If you are unsure what steps to take after a car accident, a trusted attorney can guide you through the process. The legal process following a car accident is complex and should not be navigated alone.

At Pfeifer, Morgan and Stesiak, we are committed to help you determine your legal options. We do not charge any upfront costs or fees for our legal services. You can call for a free consultation at our office, and if we decide to represent you, you will not have to pay unless we win your case for you.

We are here to help you: (574) 444-0741.