Should I Go To The Doctor After Baltimore Car Accident?
Every Baltimore personal injury lawyer knows that not every accident that occurs here leads to a personal injury. I know that many do. I’ve seen plenty of evidence of this over the last 30 years. “Should I Go To The Doctor After Baltimore Car Accident?” This is a FAQ in Baltimore injury and accident law. My advice: If you think your are hurt, or that you may be, talk to medical professional. If you are not hurt, don’t. This Article explores the pros and cons. So, should I go to the doctor after my Maryland car accident? The short answer is if you have any doubts about your health, it’s better to be evaluated promptly. As Attorney Eric T. Kirk will tell you.
If you’ve been injured, you should get evaluated promptly after your Maryland car accident.
Transcript
If you think you’ve been injured, you should absolutely go to a doctor, whether it’s after the car accident or for any other reason. My standard answer is if you know you’ve been injured, or you believe you might have been injured, it just makes sense to see a medical professional. Find out what’s going on with your body and find out what it might take to get your body better and begin the process of recuperation. Obviously, if you haven’t been injured, there’s no sense in making a doctor go through that effort and make that determination.
Why Some Individuals Choose Not to See a Doctor After a Car Accident in Baltimore
After a car accident in Baltimore, seeking medical attention is often emphasized as a critical step, but some individuals opt not to see a doctor. While this decision may not advisable in many cases, understanding the reasoning behind it can provide valuable insight into the challenges accident victims face. My advice: If you think your are hurt, or that you may be, talk to medical professional. If you are not hurt, don’t. Also, consider whether you should go to the doctor after your Maryland car accident to ensure any potential injuries are addressed.
Lack of Immediate Symptoms
This gets my vote as the most likely reasoning engaged in by many Baltimore accident victims= who feel relatively “OK” immediately after a collision. Adrenaline can mask pain and injuries, leading people to believe they are unscathed. I’ve been told by some local doctors that some injuries, such as whiplash or traumatic brain injuries, may not present symptoms for hours or even days. Without obvious signs of harm, individuals may delay or forgo medical evaluation altogether. Still, you might ask yourself, “Should I go to the doctor after my Maryland car accident?” Even if symptoms are not immediately apparent, it can be crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Concerns About Costs
Baltimore residents, like many others, may worry about the financial burden of medical care. Sadly, despite insurance coverage, out-of-pocket expenses can deter individuals from visiting a doctor. This is particularly true for those in Baltimore who lack health insurance or fear co-pays, deductibles, and unexpected bills. So, should I go to the doctor after my Maryland car accident if I have cost concerns? It’s essential to weigh the potential long-term health benefits of immediate medical attention against the initial financial costs.
Misconceptions About Severity
Victims might underestimate the severity of their injuries. I’ve been told by local physicians that a delay in treatment can have big impact on recovery. A minor ache or stiffness can be dismissed as inconsequential, only to develop into a more serious issue later. This common misconception can lead to untreated injuries that worsen over time.
Fear of Medical Procedures
For some, the fear of medical environments, tests, or potential diagnoses prevents them from seeking care. A reluctance to undergo X-rays, MRIs, or other diagnostic procedures may outweigh the perceived need for medical attention
Lack of Time or Transportation
Baltimore’s busy urban life can make it challenging to prioritize a doctor’s visit, especially for individuals juggling work, family, and other responsibilities. Additionally, those without reliable transportation may struggle to access medical care promptly. Add to these hurdles the fact that the person has been hurt in a car accident, and is injured, and the difficulty faced seems daunting.
The Risks of Not Seeing a Doctor
While these reasons may seem valid at the moment, not seeking medical attention can have significant repercussions. Delayed treatment can lead to prolonged recovery, complications, and challenges when pursuing compensation. Insurance companies that deny an delay claims often use a lack of medical documentation to deny or minimize claims.
Ok. So. You are hurt. You need a doctor. What now?
A: The type of doctor you should see after a Baltimore car accident depends on the nature and severity of your injuries. In most cases, car accident victims first see a primary care physician (PCP) or go directly to an emergency room (ER) for immediate evaluation. From there, you may be referred to various specialists, such as orthopedists, neurologists, chiropractors, or physical therapists, depending on your symptoms. Prompt medical attention helps document your injuries for any future legal claim and ensures that hidden conditions do not worsen over time.
A: Of course. If your injuries are minor and non-life-threatening, it’s appropriate to schedule a visit with your primary care physician (PCP). But- do you know the difference? They can assess your condition, order imaging studies, and refer you to specialists for orthopedic or neurological care. However, if you feel dizzy, experience chest pain, or have suffered a head injury, it’s safer to visit a Baltimore emergency department first.
A: Yes. Neurologists diagnose and treat conditions affecting the brain, spine, and nerves. If you’re experiencing numbness, tingling, migraines, memory loss, or difficulty concentrating, you should see a neurologist. These symptoms may indicate a traumatic brain injury (TBI), concussion, or spinal cord damage. Neurologists play a critical role in providing evidence of cognitive impairment for legal claims involving permanent disability or loss of earning capacity.
A: Many people with whiplash, back pain, or neck stiffness benefit from chiropractic care. Chiropractors use manual adjustments to restore spinal alignment and improve mobility. While chiropractic records may not carry the same legal weight as orthopedic or neurology evaluations in court, they are commonly used as supporting medical documentation in Baltimore injury claims.
A: Physical therapists assist in regaining strength, flexibility, and range of motion after a Baltimore accident. If you’ve undergone surgery or have soft tissue injuries, your doctor may prescribe a course of physical therapy. Physical therapy also generates progress notes and objective data that can demonstrate the duration and extent of your disability to an insurance company or jury.
A: Absolutely. Pain management specialists treat chronic pain with injections, nerve blocks, and medications. They are often consulted when conventional treatments fail to alleviate long-term pain after a Baltimore auto accident. These doctors can also help document permanent pain conditions, such as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), that may support non-economic damages in a lawsuit.
A: Victims suffering from anxiety, PTSD, depression, or sleep disturbances may choose to see a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist. Mental health professionals provide counseling, therapy, and medication management. Emotional trauma is often overlooked but may be compensable under Maryland personal injury law if properly documented.
Simple question. Simple Answer. Yes. Gaps in treatment or failure to follow through with referrals can weaken your personal injury claim. Insurance adjusters and defense attorneys often argue that a delay or discontinuation in treatment means the injuries weren’t serious. Following up with all recommended specialists and attending every appointment helps support your legal position and promotes full medical recovery.
A: You should see an orthopedic specialist if you suffer from fractures, dislocations, torn ligaments, or chronic joint pain after the crash. Orthopedists focus on the musculoskeletal system and are essential for diagnosing injuries to bones, muscles, and tendons. They often work in tandem with physical therapists to manage recovery and recommend surgery when necessary
- Baltimore Personal Injury Trial Lawyer Eric T. Kirk
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For over three decades, I have battled against the nation’s largest insurance companies, always endeavoring to ensure my clients receive the compensation they deserve. As lead counsel in thousands of cases across Maryland, New York, and Florida, I have recovered millions for clients whose claims were wrongfully denied and delayed. Whether denying fair compensation for a personal injury victim or denying benefits to a homeowner, Insurance companies employ policy exclusions, technicalities, and lowball offers to deny and defeat claims. They also hire very good lawyers to fight you in court. So should you. When an insurance company unfairly rejects a claim, I stop them.
