If you have been injured in an accident, it is essential that you receive professional and timely medical care. If you hope to seek compensation for your injuries, your attorney and the insurance claims adjuster are likely to use a physician’s report as part of the accident evaluation process. Even if you are not aware of any injuries at the moment, it is a good idea to visit an emergency room or your primary care physician just in case.

How to get proper care after an accident

You can use these steps as a guideline to follow with your doctor after your accident:

• Tell the physician you have been in an accident. Describe the type of accident and include how fast you were traveling at the time, where and how severe the impact was, and any other details you can recall.
• Request a thorough exam. Ask that the exam include any diagnostic tests, blood tests and cognitive evaluations available.
• Review your medical history. A previous injury or condition, such as arthritis or a replaced knee, might become aggravated by an accident.
• Ask for referrals. Ask your doctor for recommendations for chiropractic care, physical therapy, hydrotherapy or any other treatment that might help relieve your symptoms. 

When your physician has completed your exam, ask for copies of all your records. It is important that you keep a file that includes your documentation of the accident, your medical records, all bills and payment receipts for medical costs, and details of workdays missed as a result of your injuries. If the accident took place while you were away from home or on vacation and you were treated in an emergency room, take your treatment records with you and bring them to your private physician for review.

Some injuries do not appear immediately after an accident, and the adrenaline released during a traumatic event can prevent you from feeling something that hurts. If you did not think you were injured at the time of the accident but begin to feel unwell a few days or weeks later, seek medical attention immediately.

You and your physician can play a critical role in evaluating how your car accident affected you. Speak to a top-rated Atlanta accident attorney to learn how you can earn compensation for your injuries.