Being involved in a South Carolina motor vehicle accident can leave you dealing with everything from medical bills to long-term pain. If someone else caused the wreck, you can seek compensation for your suffering by filing a claim with the negligent party’s insurance provider. One of the things you can do in the aftermath of a crash to protect yourself and your right to compensation is to see a doctor right away. It helps to know what to say to them during your appointment.
Should You Go to the Doctor After an Accident?
Yes. Always seek medical attention after a motor vehicle accident. Seeing a doctor is vital even after a seemingly minor crash.
Don’t skip visiting a doctor because you feel unhurt. As a CNN report points out, a blow to the head may not cause noticeable symptoms at first. However, what seems like a minor injury can become serious within hours or days after a wreck. You need care now to optimize your recovery.
A frightening experience like a motor vehicle collision causes adrenaline to pump through your body, preventing you from noticing injury symptoms. The fact that you feel unharmed after a wreck doesn’t mean you are.
Don’t tell anyone you’re uninjured or you’re “fine” after a wreck. Always see a doctor to confirm you don’t need treatment – or to find out that you do. Keep records of your bills and treatment, as you may need this documentation when filing a claim with an insurance company.
What Kind of Doctor to See After an Accident
You may not know how to find a doctor after an accident. Perhaps this is because you’re not sure what type of doctor to see.
You don’t need to contact a specialist in the immediate aftermath of a wreck. At this stage, you can simply visit an emergency room or urgent care center. If your primary care physician has immediate availability, seeing them is also an option.
You may need to see specialists in the days, weeks, and months after your collision. The types of doctors you might see can depend on the nature of your injuries. Examples of specialists injured parties may receive treatment from after car crashes include:
- Orthopedists
- Neurologists
- Physical therapists
- Pulmonologists
That’s not an exhaustive list. When a doctor recommends a course of treatment, follow their instructions closely. Doing so may help you when seeking compensation from an insurer.
What Do Doctors Check After an Accident?
The nature of a doctor’s examination may depend on any symptoms you’re experiencing. The doctor will also account for visual signs of injury when examining you. Generally, they’ll examine your whole body for injury. This may require taking x-rays or performing routine tests.
A physician may review your full medical history as well. Doing so helps them determine whether a crash resulted in any physical changes.
What to Say to a Doctor After a Car Accident in South Carolina
Knowing what to say to a doctor after a car accident can help you receive necessary treatment and protect your rights to compensation. Here’s an overview of what to say and topics to talk about:
- Explain to the doctor that you were involved in a motor vehicle collision (without explaining who you think was at fault).
- Thoroughly and honestly describe the severity of your pain and symptoms.
- Describe any parts of your body you think may have sustained harm during the collision.
- Ask questions to confirm you thoroughly understand your treatment plan.
- Find out what types of specialists they recommend you see.
- Discuss your full medical history.
- Describe the nature of your work and whether the doctor believes you should return to it.
It’s also helpful to know what not to say to a doctor examining you after a wreck. Don’t include any details you are not 100 percent confident of. Sticking to the facts and refraining from discussing your legal case with a doctor is the best strategy right now.
Contact a South Carolina Car Accident Attorney
Once you’ve seen a doctor, meet with a South Carolina personal injury lawyer. At Murphy Crantford Meehan, our attorneys can coordinate with doctors on your behalf, using medical information to help strengthen your case. We’ll also help you understand what you should and should not say to doctors and other such parties after your collision. Find out more about how we may help by calling us today or contacting us online for a free case review.
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