At Horst Shewmaker, we are dedicated to protecting the rights of car accident victims and ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve. Our experienced Alpharetta car accident attorneys fight for clients facing medical expenses, lost wages, and insurance disputes after a motor vehicle accident. We understand the challenges that come with serious injuries, and we are committed to providing personalized legal support every step of the way.
Car accidents cause serious injuries that require immediate medical attention. Many car accident victims delay or skip medical treatment from a motor vehicle accident doctor, which can lead to long-term health issues and weaken their personal injury claims. Understanding the proper treatment, knowing how to handle medical expenses, and seeking legal guidance can help ensure a successful recovery.
In this blog, you will learn about the immediate steps to take after a car accident, common car accident injuries and their treatments, how medical expenses are covered in Georgia, and the importance of working with an experienced Alpharetta car accident attorney to secure the compensation you deserve for your medical care and recovery.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Car Accident
After an accident, getting the right medical treatment from a motor vehicle accident doctor is essential. Many car accident victims ignore early symptoms, which can lead to long-term injuries sustained. Taking immediate action ensures a successful recovery and strengthens a personal injury claim.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel fine, accident-related injuries can take hours or days to show symptoms. Soft tissue injuries, internal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries may not cause immediate pain but can worsen without proper treatment. Visit an emergency room, urgent care clinic, or a motor vehicle accident doctor as soon as possible. Emergency room physicians can assess your condition, provide the necessary medical treatment, and document your injuries.
Document Your Injuries and Medical Treatment
Keep records of all medical expenses, doctor visits, test results, and prescribed treatments. Detailed medical records help prove the severity of your accident-related injuries and are crucial for your insurance claim. Make sure your primary care physician, motor vehicle accident doctors, and any medical specialists you see document your condition accurately.
Follow Your Motor Vehicle Accident Doctor’s Treatment Plan
Many car accident injuries require ongoing care, including physical therapy, chiropractic care, or treatment from a motor vehicle accident doctor. Ignoring or delaying treatment can slow your recovery process and weaken your personal injury case. Follow your motor vehicle accident doctor’s instructions, attend all scheduled appointments, and complete the recommended course of medical care from your motor vehicle accident doctor.
Monitor Symptoms and Seek Additional Treatment If Needed
Some serious injuries may not be fully diagnosed in the first medical visit. If pain worsens or new symptoms appear, see a motor vehicle accident doctor immediately. Motor vehicle accident doctors can evaluate specific injuries and provide additional treatment. Ignoring lingering pain or discomfort can lead to long-term complications.
Report the Accident and Preserve Evidence
File an accident report with law enforcement and collect evidence from the scene if possible. Take photos of your injuries, vehicle damage, and road conditions. Keep copies of all medical bills, prescriptions, and test results. These records will support your car accident claim when dealing with the auto insurance company.
Consult a Car Accident Attorney
If your medical payments are delayed or your auto insurance company disputes your claim, a car accident attorney can help. Legal guidance ensures you get compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain. Georgia law gives car accident victims two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, so acting quickly is important.
Common Car Accident Injuries and Their Treatments
Car accident injuries range from minor to severe. Some injuries appear immediately, while others take time to develop. Proper medical treatment ensures a successful recovery and prevents complications.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries include sprains, strains, and whiplash. These injuries affect muscles, ligaments, and tendons, causing pain and stiffness. Chiropractic care, physical therapy, and pain management help reduce symptoms and restore movement. Motor vehicle accident doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication or recommend exercises for recovery.
Broken Bones and Fractures
A car accident can cause broken bones in the arms, legs, ribs, and spine. Fractures may require immobilization, casting, or surgery. Motor vehicle accident doctors provide treatment, including physical rehabilitation. Severe fractures may need long-term therapy to regain full function.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Concussions
Head injuries can be life-threatening. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions affect memory, coordination, and cognitive function. Symptoms include dizziness, headaches, and nausea. Emergency room physicians conduct imaging tests to assess damage. Neurologists and medical specialists manage recovery through medication, therapy, and cognitive rehabilitation.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries are dangerous because symptoms are not always immediate. Damage to organs, internal bleeding, or punctured lungs can be fatal without urgent medical attention. Emergency room care is critical. Surgery or intensive monitoring may be necessary to prevent complications.
Psychological Trauma (PTSD, Anxiety, Depression)
A motor vehicle accident can cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Emotional distress affects daily life and delays recovery. Therapy, counseling, and medication help manage symptoms. Mental health care is just as important as physical treatment after a car wreck.
Who Pays for Medical Treatment After a Car Accident in Georgia?
Car accident victims often face high medical expenses after a motor vehicle accident. Understanding how medical bills are paid is critical for receiving the necessary medical treatment without financial hardship.
Health Insurance vs. Auto Insurance
Georgia follows an at-fault system, meaning the driver responsible for the car accident is liable for damages. In the meantime, victims may need to use health insurance to cover medical bills. Some auto insurance policies include medical payments coverage (MedPay), which helps pay for medical care regardless of fault.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and MedPay
Georgia does not require Personal Injury Protection (PIP), but drivers can purchase MedPay as an add-on. MedPay covers medical expenses related to the auto accident, including emergency room visits, physical therapy, and motor vehicle accident doctors. Unlike health insurance, MedPay does not require deductibles or co-pays.
Medical Liens and Out-of-Pocket Costs
Some motor vehicle accident doctors treat patients under a medical lien. This means they provide medical treatment with the agreement that they will be paid from the victim’s car accident claim settlement. Without insurance, victims may need to pay medical bills upfront and seek reimbursement through a personal injury case.
What If the Insurance Company Denies the Claim?
An auto insurance company may deny or delay payment for accident-related injuries. When this happens, victims should gather medical records, submit proof of medical expenses, and consult a personal injury attorney. A lawyer ensures the victim receives compensation for medical payments, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The Role of a Car Accident Attorney in Your Recovery Process
A car accident attorney helps victims get compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Legal representation ensures that victims receive the proper treatment and financial support needed for a successful recovery.
Securing Compensation for Medical Bills
Medical bills from emergency room visits, physical therapy, and motor vehicle accident doctors add up quickly. Insurance companies often dispute claims or offer low settlements. A personal injury attorney negotiates with the auto insurance company to recover full compensation for medical treatment and ongoing care.
Proving the Severity of Injuries
To receive fair compensation, victims must prove the extent of their accident-related injuries. An attorney works with medical professionals to gather medical records, expert testimony, and imaging reports. This documentation supports claims for serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and internal injuries.
Handling Insurance Company Disputes
Insurance companies try to reduce payouts by questioning medical evidence or delaying payments. A car accident attorney fights against unfair claim denials, ensuring that victims receive compensation for medical expenses and other damages. They also help victims use personal injury protection (PIP) or medical lien options when needed.
Meeting Legal Deadlines
In Georgia, car accident victims have two years to file a personal injury case. Missing this deadline can result in losing the right to compensation. A personal injury attorney ensures all paperwork is filed correctly and on time, protecting the victim’s legal rights.
Maximizing Compensation for Recovery
Beyond medical payments, a car accident claim can include lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term medical care. An attorney ensures victims receive the full compensation needed for a successful recovery and future medical needs.
Consult With an Experienced Alpharetta Car Accident Attorney ASAP!
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, getting the right medical treatment from a motor vehicle accident doctor and legal support is essential for your recovery process. The insurance company may try to minimize your claim, but you deserve full compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our team at Horst Shewmaker is here to help.
Contact us at (404) 400-1175 for a free claim review today!
