Yes, You Should Go to the Doctor After a Crash—Here’s Why
“I feel okay. Do I really need to see a doctor?”
That’s one of the most common things I hear after someone’s been in a car accident. And my answer is always the same:
Yes—you absolutely should. Even if you feel fine. Even if it seems minor. Even if you “just want to wait and see.”
Because here’s the truth: skipping medical care is one of the biggest mistakes you can make after a crash—for both your health and your case.
Why Seeing a Doctor Matters for Your Health
Car accidents trigger adrenaline. It’s your body’s way of helping you cope in the moment—but it also masks pain. What feels like a little soreness today could be a serious injury tomorrow.
I’ve seen clients walk away from an accident, only to find out days later they had:
Concussions or traumatic brain injuries
Herniated discs or spinal issues
Internal bleeding
Torn ligaments or soft tissue damage
Early diagnosis means early treatment. The longer you wait, the worse your injuries can get—and the harder they can be to treat.
Why It Matters for Your Injury Claim
Let’s say you are hurt—but you wait two weeks to see a doctor. What’s the first thing the insurance company will say?
“If they were really injured, they would’ve gone to the doctor right away.”
That gap in care is something they’ll use to question the severity of your injury—or argue that something else must have caused it. Even if it’s completely unfair, it’s a common tactic.
Documented medical treatment from the start shows a clear connection between your injuries and the crash. It’s one of the most powerful tools we have to build a strong case.
Don’t Have a Doctor? I’ll Help You Find One.
If you don’t have a primary care doctor or aren’t sure where to go, don’t worry—that’s part of what I help with. I work with trusted medical professionals throughout the Treasure Coast who understand accident injuries and can provide the care (and documentation) you need.
What If You Can’t Afford Medical Care?
This is another concern I hear often. Many of the doctors I work with will treat accident victims with no upfront cost—their payment comes from your settlement. And remember, in Florida, your own auto insurance includes PIP (Personal Injury Protection), which covers at least $10,000 in medical expenses regardless of who was at fault.
But here’s the catch: you have 14 days to seek medical treatment in order to use your PIP benefits.
Bottom Line
If you’ve been in a car accident, don’t wait. Don’t tough it out. Don’t second-guess yourself.
Go see a doctor. Then call a lawyer you trust to help you take the next step. Your health comes first—and your case depends on it.
Call Chatenka Injury Law today for a free consultation.
If you’re hurt, I’ll help you get the care and support you need—without the stress.
