Should I See a Doctor After My Houston Car Accident?

Being involved in a car accident is scary, no matter the extent of damage or injuries. The truth is, your injuries may not be apparent immediately after the accident but may appear in days, weeks, or even months afterward. Even if you’re unable to go to the emergency room or don’t feel like you need to be seen immediately, it’s still a good idea to be checked out by a medical professional shortly after.

If another driver’s negligence caused your accident, you might be entitled to compensation. Seeing a doctor after an accident will help discover any injuries or issues caused by the impact. They may also be necessary records if you file a personal injury claim. If you need advice or have questions, Godsey Martin, PC, is here to help. We can help you find a doctor and offer a free consultation for any of your legal questions.

Should I See a Doctor After My Houston Car Accident?

Even if you feel fine after a car accident, it’s essential to see a medical professional just to be safe. Shock and adrenaline can keep you from feeling pain or injuries that may not become apparent until days later. Not to mention that car accidents can be traumatic and affect your emotional well-being. You could also have severe injuries, such as internal bleeding, a concussion, or whiplash after an accident.

If you decide not to get medical care and end up having an injury that needs treatment, you may be on the hook for those medical bills if you don’t see someone right away. Insurance companies and attorneys can use the time between your accident and medical treatment to argue against your claim. They can even challenge whether your injuries are actually from the car accident in question.

If you’re in Houston or the surrounding area, Godsey Martin, PC can help you find a medical provider and assist you in filing a claim to be compensated for your medical bills. Paying shouldn’t be a concern when injuries have the potential to impact your well-being.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Some injuries are immediately apparent after a car accident, but some may take longer to become evident. Here are some common injuries that people suffer from after an auto accident.

• Bone fractures. You’ll notice most fractures immediately due to pain or disfiguration; sometimes, though, they’re hidden, and a doctor will need imaging to diagnose them. For example, rib fractures may remain hidden but cause issues down the road.
• Burns. Fires and friction can cause burns that may sometimes be serious. Severe burn injuries can cause permanent damage to the skin, nerves, and muscles and can lead to infections if not treated promptly.
• Scarring. Some injuries, such as cuts, can lead to permanent scarring or disfigurement.
• Organ damage. The impact of an accident can sometimes cause organ damage or puncture an organ. Kidney, liver, and spleen damage are common in car accidents.
• Neck injuries. Whiplash is a common injury seen in car accident victims. It occurs when the neck is thrown back and forth upon the accident’s impact. Chronic pain can be a result of a whiplash injury.
• Traumatic brain injury. Sometimes, traumatic brain injury can occur due to an accident. This can lead to long-term problems, and treatment may be necessary for the remainder of the victim’s life.
• Emotional injury. A car accident can be highly traumatic for those involved. While physical injuries may be apparent immediately or become evident shortly after the accident, emotional injuries can occur weeks, months, or even years after. This can include depression, anxiety, and PTSD. You may want to make an appointment with a psychologist after an accident.

What Should I Ask My Doctor?

When a doctor is evaluating you after a car accident, there are certain things that you should ask about, such as:

• What is the extent of my injuries? Your doctor should inform you clearly of your injuries and the treatment that will be required, as well as an expected recovery time. If your injuries are severe, this can be a challenging conversation, but know that your doctor has your best interest in mind.
• What health issues may arise in the future? After you know the extent of any injuries, you deserve to know how they will impact your life in the future. You should be aware of what medications you may be required to take and for how long, what long-term treatment you’ll need, such as physical therapy, and how long you should expect to need follow-up visits.
• When can you return to work? You may need some time after your accident to recover, which may mean time off work. If this is the case, you may be eligible to be reimbursed for any wages you miss out on due to your inability to work after an auto accident.

What If I Don’t Have Insurance?

Luckily, you don’t need insurance to get high-quality medical care in Houston. If you hire an attorney, we can send a letter to your provider letting them know they’ll get paid at the end of your case. Regardless of insurance status, you should receive medical care, and if another party caused your accident, they’re responsible for paying your medical bills.

Should I Get an Attorney After My Houston Car Accident?

While this decision is up to you, getting an attorney after a Houston car accident is advisable. You’re entitled to compensation for medical bill payments and damages for pain and suffering after an accident if another driver’s negligence caused it. At Godsey Martin, PC, we have a team of experienced attorneys and offer a free legal consultation so we can advise the best course of action for your case. We’ll work hard to provide you with the representation that you deserve.

Contact Godsey Martin, PC Today

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Houston, please don’t hesitate to reach out to an attorney for help. Godsey Martin, PC is here to ensure you get the representation and compensation you deserve. You can reach us by phone at 800-I GOT HIT (800-446-8448) or online via our secure form, and someone will reach out to you promptly.