Following a car crash, the desire to move on and return to normal life is powerful. Yet, one of the most common and potentially damaging assumptions is that a lack of immediate pain equals a lack of injury. This belief can have serious health consequences. The body’s natural response to trauma can hide significant physical harm, and without a timely medical record, proving an injury claim later becomes incredibly difficult.
Seeing a doctor after a car accident is not just a suggestion—it is a critical measure for protecting your health and your legal rights.
Key Takeaways
- The adrenaline produced during a car accident can mask serious injuries, with symptoms sometimes appearing days or weeks later.
- Seeking immediate medical attention creates an official record that documents any injuries and links them directly to the collision.
- Insurance companies may view a delay in seeking medical care as evidence that injuries were not serious or were caused by something other than the accident.
- Common delayed-onset injuries include whiplash, concussions, soft tissue damage, and internal bleeding, all of which require professional diagnosis.
- A thorough medical evaluation protects a person's long-term health and is a critical component in preserving their legal rights after a crash.
Protecting Your Most Important Asset: Your Health
In the moments following a collision, your body goes into a "fight or flight" response, flooding your system with adrenaline. This powerful hormone can act as a natural painkiller, masking symptoms of potentially serious injuries. You might walk away from a crash on an Albuquerque freeway feeling perfectly fine, only to wake up days later with severe neck pain, headaches, or dizziness.
This delayed onset of pain is very common. Some of the most frequent injuries from car accidents don't show immediate signs. Getting a medical evaluation creates a baseline of your health right after the incident, allowing a doctor to identify issues you may not even feel yet.
Some common injuries that may not be immediately apparent include:
- Soft Tissue Injuries: This is a broad category that includes damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Whiplash is a very common soft tissue injury to the neck caused by the rapid back-and-forth motion during a crash.
- Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): A concussion is a brain injury caused by a bump or jolt to the head. You do not need to lose consciousness to have a concussion. Symptoms like confusion, memory problems, or headaches can develop over hours or days.
- Internal Bleeding or Organ Damage: The force of an impact can cause damage to internal organs that is not visible from the outside. This is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Ignoring even minor symptoms can put your long-term health at risk. What seems like simple muscle soreness could be a sign of a more significant underlying problem that a medical professional is trained to identify.
The Critical Role of Medical Records in an Insurance Claim
When you need to seek compensation for your injuries from an insurance company, you need to provide proof. Your medical records are the most important evidence you have. These records create an official, dated account of your physical condition following the accident. They serve as a powerful tool that connects your injuries directly to the collision.
Insurance adjusters scrutinize every detail of a claim. One of the first things they look for is how soon you sought medical treatment. A significant gap in time between the accident and your first doctor's visit can be a major red flag for them. They might argue that if you were truly hurt, you would have seen a doctor right away. They could even suggest that your injury happened sometime after the car crash and is unrelated to it.
This concept is related to "causation," a term used to describe the link between an action (the car accident) and the result (your injury). Without a doctor's report from right after the crash, establishing this link becomes much more difficult. A prompt medical evaluation provides clear, credible documentation that an insurance company cannot easily dismiss. These records are the foundation for any claim seeking to cover medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages from time off work, and pain and suffering.
Why You Need to See a Doctor After a Car Accident for Your Claim
To put it simply, your medical records tell the story of your injuries. Each visit, diagnosis, treatment plan, and prescription becomes a chapter in that story. This detailed timeline is essential. It shows the extent of your injuries, the medical care required, and the impact the accident has had on your life. Without this official documentation, you are left with only your word against the resources of a large insurance corporation. Seeking medical attention is not just about your health; it's about creating the evidence needed to be treated fairly during the claims process.
What Kind of Doctor Should You See After a Collision?
After a crash, especially one near busy areas like the Big I interchange, you might wonder where to go for help. The right choice depends on the severity of your symptoms. The most important thing is not to delay.
Here are the primary options for getting a medical evaluation:
- Emergency Room: If you are experiencing severe symptoms like loss of consciousness, broken bones, deep cuts, dizziness, or intense pain, you should go to the emergency room immediately. ERs are equipped to handle trauma and diagnose life-threatening conditions.
- Urgent Care Center: For less severe but still immediate concerns like sprains, minor cuts, or persistent pain, an urgent care center is a good option. They can often provide quicker service than an ER and can diagnose a wide range of common accident-related injuries.
- Your Primary Care Physician (PCP): If you feel you have no emergency symptoms, it is still vital to schedule an appointment with your regular family doctor as soon as possible. Your PCP knows your medical history and can be a great resource for managing your care and referring you to specialists if needed.
Whether you go to a clinic in the Northeast Heights or see your family doctor in Los Lunas, it is crucial to follow all medical advice. Attend every recommended follow-up appointment, complete any physical therapy sessions, and take all prescribed medications. This demonstrates that you are taking your health seriously, and it is also important for your insurance claim.
Understanding New Mexico's Laws and Your Timeline
Every state has laws that set a time limit for how long you have to file a lawsuit after an incident. This is called the "statute of limitations." In New Mexico, the law generally gives you three years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. According to the New Mexico Statutes § 37-1-8, waiting longer than this can result in losing your right to seek compensation through the court system forever.
While three years may seem like a long time, the clock starts ticking on the day of the accident. Evidence can disappear, memories can fade, and building a strong case takes time. Seeing a doctor right away is the first step in protecting your rights within this legal deadline. It establishes the date your injury occurred and starts the documentation process that is so vital if you later need to pursue a legal claim. Delaying a medical visit can create unnecessary complications and make it harder to protect your interests down the road.
Common Misconceptions About Post-Accident Injuries
Many people avoid seeing a doctor after a crash because of common but misguided beliefs. Understanding the truth behind these myths is important for making the right decision for your well-being. A
Let's address some of these common thoughts:
- "I only have minor aches, so they will probably go away." Minor soreness can be a symptom of a more serious underlying issue, like a herniated disc or significant soft tissue damage. A doctor can determine the true extent of the injury and recommend a treatment plan to prevent it from becoming a chronic, long-term problem.
- "I can't afford to see a doctor right now." Worries about medical bills are valid. However, your health should always be the priority. Your car insurance may include MedPay coverage, or you may have health insurance that can cover the costs. Furthermore, medical expenses incurred because of another driver's negligence are often a key component of a personal injury settlement. Don't let financial fears stop you from getting the care you need.
- "The damage to my car was minimal, so I can't be that hurt." Modern cars are designed to absorb impact, meaning the vehicle can sustain little visible damage while the occupants are subjected to significant force. Yet, even a seemingly mild jolt can cause a concussion. There is no direct correlation between the amount of vehicle damage and the severity of a person's physical injuries.
Making assumptions about your health after a car accident can have lasting consequences. A professional medical opinion is the only way to know for sure what is happening with your body.
FAQ for Why You Need to See a Doctor After a Car Accident
Here are answers to some common questions people have about seeking medical care after a car collision.
How long after a car accident should I see a doctor?
You should try to see a doctor as soon as possible, ideally within 24 to 72 hours of the accident. The sooner you are evaluated, the easier it is to connect your injuries to the crash and begin any necessary treatment before conditions worsen.
What should I tell the doctor after a car accident?
Be completely honest and detailed. Explain that you were in a car accident and describe the crash itself (for example, if you were rear-ended or T-boned). Report every single symptom you are experiencing, no matter how minor it seems. Mention any pain, stiffness, dizziness, headaches, or confusion.
Will seeing a doctor make my car insurance rates go up?
If the accident was not your fault, filing a claim against the at-fault driver's insurance should not impact your own insurance rates. If you use your own insurance, such as MedPay, it typically does not cause a rate increase, as this is a benefit you have paid for. Your health is the priority.
Is it okay to see a chiropractor after a car accident?
Many people find chiropractic care helpful for injuries like whiplash and back pain. However, it is often best to first see a medical doctor (MD) for a comprehensive diagnosis to rule out more serious issues like fractures or internal injuries. Your MD can then refer you to a chiropractor or physical therapist if appropriate.
What happens if my symptoms get worse after my initial doctor's visit?
It is critical to schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor immediately. Inform them about your new or worsening symptoms. This ensures you get the right treatment and that your medical records accurately reflect the progression of your injuries.
Speak with a Trusted Car Accident Lawyer
After a car accident, your focus is pulled in a dozen different directions, from dealing with car repairs to figuring out transportation. Remember, your well-being must come first. Seeking a prompt medical evaluation is the single most important action you can take to protect your health, document your injuries, and preserve your rights. You deserve to have peace of mind knowing that you are on the path to recovery.
If you have been injured in an accident in Albuquerque or Los Lunas, the team at Gauthier & Maier Law Firm, P.C. is here to help you move forward. We are a local New Mexico firm with deep roots in the community and a thorough understanding of the challenges you face. Our client-centered approach means you are our priority. We handle the complexities of the legal process so you can focus on what matters most: healing.
If you have questions about your situation, we invite you to reach out. Contact Gauthier & Maier Law Firm, P.C. today at (505) 226-0009 or through our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and understand your options.