At Horst Shewmaker, we are a team of experienced personal injury attorneys dedicated to advocating for those harmed by negligence. With over 30 years of combined experience, we handle cases involving catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, and motor vehicle accidents throughout Georgia. We believe that clients deserve direct access to seasoned attorneys, not case managers, ensuring personalized attention and effective representation.
After a car accident, many people ask the same question: should I see a doctor? The answer is yes. Even if you feel fine, you could have injuries that need treatment. Some symptoms appear hours or days later. Seeing a doctor protects your health and creates a record that supports your car accident claim. In Georgia, prompt medical care can also affect how insurance companies handle your case.
In this blog, we explain when to see a doctor after a car accident, what types of care to consider, how prompt treatment affects your claim, and how an experienced Augusta car accident attorney at Horst Shewmaker can help protect your rights.
When Should You See a Doctor After a Car Accident?
After a car accident, timing matters. Getting medical attention quickly can protect your health and your right to file a claim.
See a Doctor Immediately After the Accident
You should see a doctor immediately after a car accident, even if you feel fine. Many auto accident injuries, such as whiplash, concussions, or internal bleeding, do not cause pain right away. The shock of the crash and adrenaline can hide symptoms. A prompt medical exam helps detect injuries before they worsen.
Seeing a doctor also creates a medical record that links your injuries to the crash. This is important if you need to file an insurance claim or take legal action.
Symptoms Can Be Delayed
Not all injuries show up at the scene. Some symptoms may appear hours or even days later. Common delayed signs include neck pain, headaches, stiffness, dizziness, numbness, and fatigue. If you experience any of these, seek medical care right away. Ignoring symptoms can make recovery harder and weaken your insurance claim.
Medical Attention Supports Your Legal Claim
Insurance companies often look at how soon you saw a doctor after the car accident. If there is a delay, they may argue that your injuries were not serious or were caused by something else. Prompt treatment helps prevent this issue and supports your car accident claim.
Georgia law does not set a strict deadline for medical care, but waiting too long can affect how your injuries are viewed. The sooner you receive medical attention, the stronger your claim will be.
Types of Doctors to Consider After an Auto Accident
Choosing the right doctor after a car accident is important for both your recovery and your car accident claim.
Emergency Room Doctors
If you have serious injuries after a car crash, go to the emergency room immediately. Emergency room doctors are trained to treat life-threatening conditions like internal bleeding, head trauma, or broken bones. They can order imaging tests, start emergency treatment, and make referrals for further care. A visit to the emergency room also provides an official medical record that can support your insurance claim.
Urgent Care Doctors
For injuries that are not life-threatening but still need quick attention, urgent care clinics are a good option. Urgent care doctors can treat neck pain, minor cuts, sprains, and soft tissue injuries. They can also document your symptoms and recommend follow-up care with specialists or primary care doctors. This is helpful if your regular doctor is not available soon after the accident.
Primary Care Physicians
Your primary care physician can provide a full checkup after an auto accident. They are familiar with your medical history and can identify changes in your condition. A primary care doctor can manage ongoing treatment, monitor symptoms, and coordinate care with other medical providers. If you are dealing with pre-existing conditions, their input can also help clarify how the accident affected your health.
Orthopedic and Pain Management Doctors
If you have musculoskeletal injuries such as fractures, joint damage, or spine problems, you may need to see an orthopedic doctor. These specialists focus on bones, joints, and muscles, which are often injured in car accidents. Pain management doctors help treat ongoing pain through medication, therapy, or procedures. These doctors are often involved when symptoms last longer than expected or become chronic.
Chiropractors and Physical Therapists
Chiropractors and physical therapists can help with recovery from soft tissue injuries like whiplash or back strain. They focus on improving mobility, reducing pain, and restoring strength. While not always the first step after a car wreck, these medical providers can be part of a treatment plan once a doctor confirms your injuries. Their records also support your car accident claim by showing consistent care.
Specialists for Head and Nerve Injuries
If you experience headaches, memory issues, or numbness after an accident, a neurologist may be needed. These doctors handle brain and nerve-related problems, which are common after concussions or spinal injuries. Seeing the right specialist early helps prevent further damage and shows that you are taking symptoms seriously. Accurate diagnosis from a neurologist also adds important medical evidence to your insurance claim.
Why Prompt Medical Attention Is Critical for Both Health and Legal Protection
Getting medical care quickly after a car accident helps you recover and protects your right to seek compensation.
Early Treatment Reduces Health Risks
Many car accident injuries can worsen without treatment. Soft tissue injuries, internal bleeding, and head trauma may not cause pain right away but can lead to serious problems later. Seeing a doctor right after the accident helps catch these injuries early. Early care leads to better outcomes and lowers the risk of long-term damage. It also gives you clear answers about your condition.
Medical Records Strengthen Your Claim
Medical records are key evidence in a car accident claim. They show the connection between the crash and your injuries. If you wait too long to seek medical care, insurance adjusters may argue your injuries are not related to the accident. A doctor’s visit right after the wreck helps prove that your symptoms started soon after the event. This makes it harder for the insurance company to deny your claim.
Insurance Adjusters Look at Timing
Insurance companies often review how quickly you sought treatment. If there is a gap between the accident and your first medical visit, they may reduce your compensation or reject your claim. Prompt treatment shows that your injuries are real and serious. It also gives the insurance company less room to challenge your case. Delaying care can cost you both in health and in lost financial recovery.
Georgia Law Supports Timely Medical Care
Georgia law does not set a fixed time limit for seeing a doctor after a car accident, but delays can hurt your legal position. Under O.C.G.A. § 33-24-56.1, insurance companies expect timely communication and evidence. Medical attention soon after the crash creates the kind of documentation needed to meet these standards. Seeing a doctor promptly also helps your car accident lawyer present a stronger case if legal action becomes necessary.
How a Car Accident Attorney Helps Protect Your Rights
After a car accident, having an experienced attorney on your side can make the difference between a denied claim and fair compensation.
Legal Guidance From the Start
A car accident attorney helps you understand your rights and legal options after a crash. At Horst Shewmaker, the team focuses on protecting injury victims from insurance tactics that can reduce or delay claims. From the first consultation, an attorney explains how Georgia law applies to your case and what steps to take next. This includes when to seek medical care, how to document injuries, and how to deal with the insurance company.
Managing Communication With Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters may try to settle claims quickly or deny coverage if medical treatment was delayed. Your attorney speaks to the insurance company for you. This helps prevent mistakes that could harm your claim. At Horst Shewmaker, attorneys understand how adjusters work and know how to push back when offers are too low. They make sure your injuries, medical bills, and other losses are taken seriously.
Building a Strong Car Accident Claim
A car accident lawyer gathers medical records, police reports, witness statements, and other documents to build your claim. They work with your medical providers to understand your injuries and future treatment needs. This is important when injuries are severe or long-lasting. At Horst Shewmaker, the team prepares each case as if it might go to trial, which helps during settlement talks. Strong preparation leads to better results.
Helping You Recover Full Compensation
Medical bills, lost wages, pain, and other losses can add up quickly after a car accident. An attorney helps calculate these damages and demand full compensation. This includes both current and future costs. Horst Shewmaker’s attorneys focus on getting clients the maximum value for their car accident claims. They do not take quick settlements that fall short. They fight for what you need to move forward.
Representing You in Court if Needed
If the insurance company does not offer a fair settlement, a car accident attorney can take the case to court. Horst Shewmaker has a record of success in Georgia courts and is ready to go to trial if needed. Having an attorney with courtroom experience gives you leverage and confidence during the legal process. It also shows the insurance company that you are serious about your claim.
Contact an Experienced Augusta Car Accident Lawyer Today!
If you were injured in a car accident, do not wait to get the medical care and legal support you need. Our team at Horst Shewmaker is here to help you understand your rights, deal with the insurance company, and pursue full compensation for your injuries and losses.
Contact us at (404) 400-1175 for a free claim review today!
