Should I See a Doctor or Chiropractor After a Georgia Car Accident?

Whether you should see a doctor or a chiropractor after a car accident may depend on the nature of your injuries. Doctors can treat a wide range of issues like fractures, concussions, internal bleeding, and burns. Chiropractors, on the other hand, can be useful for managing chronic musculoskeletal conditions, like whiplash, neck pain, or reduced mobility. 

In many cases, it can be beneficial to see both a medical doctor and a chiropractor. A personal injury settlement — or, if necessary, a car accident lawsuit — can compensate you for the cost of treatment for both. You can talk to a car accident lawyer in Georgia if you have more questions about the benefits of medical and chiropractic care after a car crash.

Why Is It Important to Seek Medical Care Right After a Car Accident?

One of the most common reasons insurance companies deny injury victims is delayed medical treatment. From their perspective, waiting to get medical treatment means that a claimant’s injuries are not as serious as they say.

The longer you wait to get medical care, the harder it will be to get definitive proof that your injuries exist and are as bad as you say they are. If you put off getting treatment, the auto insurance company might try to claim your injuries were not actually caused by the crash.

Should You See a Doctor After a Car Accident?

Yes, you should see a medical doctor after a car accident. They can treat more serious injuries like broken bones, internal bleeding, or wounds that require surgery. Doctors have a wider range of diagnostic tools compared to chiropractors, including X-rays, MRIs, and laboratory tests, and they can provide emergency treatment if your wounds are severe.

In general, it is recommended to seek medical attention as soon as possible – ideally within 72 hours of the accident. You can start by consulting a doctor and then consider seeing a chiropractor on their recommendation, or if you feel it is necessary.

See a medical doctor even if you’re not sure you’ve been hurt. Car accidents can create hidden injuries that don’t become apparent until well after the fact. A medical professional can identify and treat these injuries so they don’t worsen without your knowledge.

When Should You See a Chiropractor After a Car Accident?

Whether you should see a chiropractor after a car accident depends on the nature of your injuries. The following are some signs you should consider seeing a chiropractor after a car accident:

• You have persistent neck or back pain that radiates up and down the spine.
• You have stiffness or limited motion in the arm, shoulders, spine, or neck.
• You have consistent headaches or migraines.
• You feel periodic or constant numbness or tingling in the spine, neck, hips, or extremities.
• You have difficulties sleeping and cannot find a comfortable position in your bed.

Regardless of your pain levels, early intervention can prevent the symptoms from worsening and causing further issues. If you choose to see a chiropractor for treatment, you should do so within at least two weeks of the car crash.

What’s the Difference Between Seeing a Doctor and a Chiropractor for a Car Accident Injury?

The primary differences between doctors and chiropractors lie in their areas of focus, training, and accreditation.

Doctors are trained to recognize a wide range of acute and chronic injuries that can affect all systems of the body. They are also trained to provide emergency stabilizing medicine if your car accident injuries are life-threatening. Doctors might refer you to a specialist if you have a specific condition that requires additional expertise to treat and manage. They can also prescribe medication for conditions such as pain management.

In contrast, chiropractors focus specifically on the musculoskeletal system, including the spine, shoulders, and neck. Chiropractic practice involves mechanically manipulating the body to increase flexibility, reduce pain/inflammation, and improve mobility. They can also use techniques like massage and stretches to address soft tissue damage. Chiropractors cannot prescribe drugs and instead use non-pharmaceutical and non-invasive therapies to manage pain.

What Are the Benefits of Seeing Both a Doctor and a Chiropractor?

Seeing a doctor and a chiropractor can be beneficial in getting a more accurate picture of the extent of your condition. If you have multiple injuries from a car accident, a medical doctor and a chiropractor can provide expertise in their specialties to fully account for all of your injuries.

By combining the insights of both professionals, you can also receive more effective treatments. Doctors and chiropractors can work together to enhance the recovery process and develop a more comprehensive treatment plan. Moreover, expert testimony from doctors and chiropractors can also corroborate one another, providing even more evidence for your car accident claim.

Could There Be Insurance Issues with Chiropractic Care After My Georgia Car Accident?

Yes, there can be insurance issues related to chiropractic treatment following a car accident. Most problems relate to the necessity of the treatment. Specifically, insurance companies might argue that chiropractic treatment is superfluous or that the care they provide is unrelated to the car accident.

Chiropractic care has gained significant mainstream acceptance in recent decades. However, some insurers may still dispute what constitutes reasonable or necessary chiropractic care. An attorney can negotiate with insurers and push back against their tactics if they try to argue the costs or necessity of chiropractic treatment.

Contact a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer

R. Alan Cleveland, LLC, has recovered over $150 million for injury clients in Athens and throughout Georgia. When you are suffering after a serious injury, you need an attorney who will think strategically and deploy every resource in their fight for victory.

Attorney R. Alan Cleveland has extensive experience working with motor vehicle accident victims and can provide the critical legal support when you need it the most. We take pride in our responsive legal services and we won’t back down from a fight.

Contact our firm online or call us today for a case consultation with a Georgia car accident attorney. We are available 24/7, so feel free to reach out whenever it is convenient for you.