You’ve just been in a car accident and are unsure what to do. Should you go to the doctor? What kind of injuries might you have? What should you do about your car?
If you or someone you love has been involved in a car accident, contact the Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor. Our experienced Charlotte car accident lawyers are here to help. We offer free consultations, so call us today to schedule a consultation.
What Should I Do If I’ve Been In A Car Accident In Charlotte, NC?
If you have been in a car accident, you should first seek medical attention if you are injured. Once a doctor has seen you, you should contact an experienced car accident lawyer to discuss your legal options. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the insurance claims and protect your rights.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a car accident, contact the Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor. Our experienced car accident lawyers are here to help. We offer free consultations, so call us today to schedule a consultation.
The Importance of Seeking Medical Attention After a Car Accident
You must seek medical attention after a car accident for several reasons.
Some Injuries Don’t Show Up Immediately
One reason is that some injuries, such as whiplash, might not show up immediately. It’s important to get checked out by a doctor so that you can catch any injuries early on and get the treatment you need.
You Might Need Documentation for an Insurance Claim or Lawsuit
If you plan to pursue an insurance claim or lawsuit, you will need proof of your injuries. Going to the doctor creates a paper trail and ensures that there is no question about the extent of your injuries and helps to establish they were caused by the accident.
Get the Treatment You Need
The most important reason to seek immediate medical attention after a car accident is to ensure you get the treatment you need to recover from your injuries. Some injuries are life-threatening and require immediate treatment. For example, the damage could be permanent if you suffer from a traumatic brain injury and wait too long to get treated.
Some injuries aren’t as severe but can lead to long-term complications if left untreated. For example, if you fractured your arm in the accident, it will eventually heal on its own. However, if it’s not treated correctly, you could have a deformity or lose some function.
What Kinds of Injuries Should I Look for After a Car Accident?
Some common car accident injuries include whiplash, neck and back pain, headaches, cuts and bruises, broken bones, and concussion. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort after a car accident, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Where Should I Go For Medical Treatment After an Accident?
Where you should go for medical treatment depends on the severity of your injuries. If you have serious injuries that require immediate medical treatment, you will likely be taken to the emergency room in an ambulance. If your injuries are not life-threatening, you can see your primary care doctor or a medical professional at an urgent care center.
In some cases, you may need to see a medical specialist, such as a neurologist, orthopedist, or chiropractor. Your primary care doctor can refer you to a specialist if necessary.
Keep all your medical bills and records regardless of where you go for medical treatment. These will be important if you pursue an insurance claim or lawsuit.
What Happens After I Receive Medical Care?
After you receive medical care, you will likely have a follow-up appointment with your doctor to assess your injuries and determine the next steps in your treatment.
You May Need Physical Therapy
Your doctor may recommend physical therapy if you have suffered from specific injuries, such as whiplash or a concussion. Physical therapy can help speed up your recovery and reduce your pain.
Follow Your Doctor’s Treatment Plan
You should also make sure to follow the doctor’s treatment plan. This will help you recover from your injuries and prevent further complications.
Who Pays for My Medical Bills?
If you were injured in a car accident that was not your fault, you have a few different options to get your medical bills paid.
Medical Payments Coverage
If you have medical payments coverage as part of your car insurance policy, this will help cover your medical expenses after an accident, up to your policy limit. Medical payments coverage fills the gap between your health insurance and the cost of your medical treatment and can help reimburse you for out-of-pocket expenses like co-pays and deductibles.
Health Insurance
Your health insurance will likely cover most, not all, of the cost of your medical treatment after an accident. However, you may have to pay a deductible before your insurance coverage kicks in, which is one area where medical payments coverage may help out.
Personal Injury Claim Against The At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Company
If you plan to file a personal injury claim, the at-fault driver’s insurance company should pay for your medical expenses if they have bodily injury liability coverage. However, they will not do so until your case is settled. This can take months or even years.
What Should I Do If I Can’t Afford Medical Treatment After an Accident?
If you don’t have health insurance or can’t afford to pay for medical treatment, options are still available. For example, many hospitals offer financial assistance programs for those who can’t afford to pay their medical bills.
You can also contact a personal injury lawyer who may be able to help you get the treatment you need by setting up a letter of protection or negotiating with your health insurance company.
A letter of protection is a document sent by your attorney to a medical provider agreeing to pay the medical expenses owed out of any future recovery, whether by settlement or trial and judgment. This contractual agreement allows injured persons to get the care they need on credit, with the medical provider agreeing to wait until the conclusion of the case to demand payment.
If your case is settled or reaches a verdict, your attorney will ensure the bills are paid out of the settlement funds. However, it is important to remember that a letter of protection does not mean you will not have to pay your medical expenses. If there is no recovery or the recovery is insufficient, then you are responsible for the bill, and the medical provider has the right to pursue you for the full bill. This is one of the reasons it is important to have underinsured motorist coverage.
Contact a Charlotte Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. The skilled car accident lawyers at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
We have experience handling various car accident cases, value the attorney-client relationship, and provide each client with the individualized attention they deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation. We serve clients throughout Charlotte and its surrounding areas.
