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

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.