Should I Go to the Doctor After My Virginia Car Accident?

Nov 30, 2021 | Auto Accidents

After a car accident, you should see a medical professional as soon as possible. Emergency professionals may suggest you take an ambulance, depending on the severity of your injuries. These rides can be quite expensive, but they also may be necessary. 

That said, if you don’t take an immediate ambulance ride, you should still see your doctor as soon as possible. You might have injuries that have not shown noticeable symptoms yet. Some symptoms can start several hours or even a few days after an accident, such as a headache, back pain, or cognitive issues.

The sooner you get evaluated, the sooner you can begin your journey to recovery. And you’ll make it evident that the injuries are from the accident.

How Long Can I Wait After a Car Accident to Visit the Doctor?

There is no set timeline for when you must see a doctor. However, the longer that you wait, the more questions you’ll draw as to the cause of your injuries. A lot can happen in the days following a car accident, such as sustaining a minor back injury while working in the yard.

If the insurance company monitors you to see how you’re doing, they might see you getting out and being active, which is a sign that you are not injured. If they can document this, it will make it more challenging for you to prove that your pain and injuries are from the accident and not from other causes.

However, documenting the injuries for compensation purposes isn’t the only reason you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as brain injuries, get worse when left untreated. You can avoid some pain and are more likely to make a full recovery if you seek medical attention quickly.

The only set timeline you have in a car accident case is the two-year statute of limitations from the date of the accident. However, you don’t want to wait until the last minute to file a car accident lawsuit. Even once you file the lawsuit, you could have several months or years before you receive compensation to pay your medical bills.

Late-Onset Car Accident Injuries

When you walk away from a car accident, you might feel just fine. But then within hours, days, or even a few weeks, you could develop late-onset injury symptoms. The two most common late-onset injuries are soft tissue injuries and concussions. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and should be taken seriously.

Know the symptoms of a concussion if you’ve been involved in a car accident. Here are some ailments to look out for:

  • Headache
  • Trouble focusing
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Blurred vision
  • Trouble balancing
  • Insomnia
  • Inability to stay awake
  • Changes in balance

 

Even if you don’t experience these symptoms, you should aim to see your doctor within 72 hours following an accident. That way, your doctor can check you for common car accident ailments.

When to Seek Assistance From a Personal Injury Attorney

Insurance companies are rarely easy to work with, which often means seeking a personal injury attorney when you have medical bills associated with an accident.

When insurance companies don’t have your best interests at heart, it’s time to find a partner who will ensure you don’t suffer financial damages due to someone else’s neglect.

Geoff McDonald & Associates has helped clients recover more than $400 million. We’d like to help you do the same. Contact us now for the legal advice you deserve after suffering car accident injuries.

Geoff McDonald and Associates: 804-888-8888.

FREE CONSULTATION

No Fees Unless We Win







    How Trucking Safety Regulations May Influence Your Case in Virginia

    Virginia truck drivers and commercial trucking company owners must observe certain state and federal safety rules. As an accident victim, showing that the liable party violated one of these laws can reinforce your case and help you claim compensation. Let’s examine a...

    Why Drinking, Drugs and Driving are a Dangerous Combination

    Do you want to be the cause of a senseless tragedy? Each year, countless lives are lost because people decide to drink or drug and drive. It’s an irresponsible act that recklessly endangers not only your life, but also those of innocent bystanders. Whether you’re a...

    What Are the Most Dangerous Intersections in Richmond, Virginia?

    According to Virginia’s car crash map, over 5,700 vehicle accidents occurred in Richmond, VA, in 2022. While a car accident can happen anywhere, some intersections in Richmond are notorious for their high number of crashes. So which intersections in Richmond pose the...

    What Is the Statute of Limitations After a Virginia Truck Accident?

    Did you suffer injuries in a Virginia truck accident? You may be able to sue the truck driver or the trucking company, but you must file your claim within a specified time limit called the statute of limitations. Virginia courts enforce this deadline very strictly and...

    Do Tractor Trailers Have a Black Box?

    One of the first orders or business after a truck crash is to request access to the tractor trailer’s black box. Black boxes often contain critical evidence that can help establish the facts of the accident and support your claim. However, the law requires trucking...

    Our Case Results

    $4,700,000
    Industrial Plant Accident

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Jeffrey A. Breit and Justin M. Sheldon Our client was killed in an industrial accident when an unauthorized worker was operating an overhead crane and pinned our client between…

    $1,750,000
    Rear-End Crash

    Our client suffered a traumatic brain injury, facial trauma, a dislocated hip and severe abdominal trauma when she was rear-ended at a traffic light by a tractor trailer. Suit was commenced shortly after…

    $1,250,000
    Assault of Log Truck Driver

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Geoffrey R. McDonald, Frank H. Hupfl, Justin M. Sheldon.
    Our client suffered a traumatic brain injury after being assaulted and knocked to the ground while fueling his logging…

    $860,000
    Drunk Driving Crash

    Our client suffered neck/head trauma and a broken wrist after his vehicle was struck by a drunk driver while he was stopped at a traffic light. Upon rejection of a settlement offer of $325,000, our litigation…

    $700,000
    Rear-End Collision

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Justin M. Sheldon and Geoff R. McDonald, Richmond
    GMA’s client was injured as a result of a rear-end collision in the greater Richmond area. The crash occurred a little after…

    Client Reviews

    Cheryl and Rich were wonderful and patient with me throughout the case. All of my questions were answered. They really helped me through this tough time and made sure to let me know what was going on. I really thank Geoff…

    Troy Saxby

    My experience with GMA staff was first rate. They always represented in a professional way and made sure I had everything as far as paperwork. Kara and Theo made sure to answer all my questions, was always available and so…

    Shirley Brown

    Geoff McDonald & Associates is the team that you want on the field if you’re in need of top notch legal defense! Mr. Taj Henley demonstrated true customer service skills and his expertise made me feel comfortable throughout the…

    Julian Reeves

    Geoff McDonald & Associates: Thank you Taj Henley for all of your hard work and dedication! Very expeditious in my case and I was very satisfied with my settlement. Will recommend to all my friends and family!

    Shareema Williams

    Geoff is number one in my book and I especially appreciate the support of Mr Henley

    Ebony Conwell

    I was so pleased with the knowledge and support from Mr. Taj Henley

    Kideem Frierson

    Thank you Geoff McDonald &Associates. A special thank you to Mr. Taj Henley

    Denise Conwell

    Mr. Taj Henley displays exceptional professionalism for Geoff McDonald & Associates, along with commendable communication skills and customer service. By his work ethic and commitment to the people he serves his value to any…

    Justin Fitzgerald