Getting into an accident is overwhelming. Even when you feel fine in the moment, some injuries can take hours or days before the pain starts. At Crescent City Personal Injury, we’ve seen this time and again.
Led by seasoned personal injury lawyer, John Radziewicz, our team has helped countless clients across New Orleans and Louisiana take the right steps after an accident. That includes one of the most important steps you can take, seeing a doctor right away. Waiting can cost you more than just your health. It can also make it harder to prove your injuries and get the compensation you deserve.
If you were hurt in a crash, a fall, or any other type of accident, here’s what you need to know about why getting checked out matters and how it affects your claim.
Why You Should Always Get Checked After an Accident
Even a low-speed car accident or a minor slip can cause injuries you do not notice right away. Adrenaline can mask pain, and your body may not feel the damage until later.
Some common injuries that show up after the accident include:
- Whiplash
- Concussions
- Soft tissue damage
- Internal bleeding
- Herniated discs & Radiating Pain
When you go to the hospital immediately, doctors can identify and treat these issues early. That medical visit also creates an official record that proves the injury came from the accident, not something else.
At Crescent City Personal Injury, we make sure every client understands that medical documentation is one of the most powerful tools in any personal injury case.
Small Cases Still Matter
Some law firms only want big, high-value cases. That is not how we operate. At Crescent City Personal Injury, we treat every case with care and respect, big or small.
We have even taken on cases where we did not collect an attorney fee because helping the client get proper medical treatment was the top priority. Whether you are dealing with minor sprains or more serious injuries, you deserve legal support and personal attention.
Medical Care Helps Your Case
Insurance companies often argue that if you didn’t see a doctor right away, you must not have been hurt. Do not give them that opportunity. Getting medical care promptly removes that excuse and strengthens your claim.
Here is why seeing a doctor immediately helps:
- It creates a clear and consistent record of your injuries
- It ties the injury directly to the accident
- It makes it harder for the insurance company to downplay or deny your claim
We’ve handled many cases where that first medical visit made all the difference in securing a fair settlement.
What Types of Compensation Can You Recover After an Accident?
When you’re injured because of someone else’s negligence, the law gives you the right to pursue damages, a legal term for compensation. In Louisiana, you may be eligible to recover:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Disability or disfigurement
- Wrongful death damages
Every case is different, but our team works hard to evaluate the full scope of your losses and pursue the maximum amount you deserve.
Your Health Should Always Come First
Above all else, your health is the most important. While we take care of the legal side, we want you to heal and get the treatment you need. That could mean physical therapy, chiropractic care, or follow-up visits with a specialist.
We work closely with trusted medical providers throughout New Orleans. These professionals know how to treat accident victims with compassion and get them the care they need without delay.
We Take Care of the Legal Side
While you focus on getting better, we focus on protecting your rights. From the moment you contact us, we handle communications with the insurance company, build your case, and negotiate for the best possible outcome.
Even if your injuries seem minor at first, having a legal team in place means you are protected in case symptoms get worse down the line.
Louisiana Personal Injury Claims Has a Deadline
In Louisiana, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim, under Louisiana Civil Code Article 3492. That may sound like plenty of time, but waiting can hurt your case. The longer you delay, the harder it becomes to gather evidence, speak to witnesses, and prove that your injuries are connected to the incident.
This is another reason why seeing a doctor right away matters, it gets your injury documented and keeps you on track for any legal steps you may need to take.
Contact Our Crescent City Personal Injury Lawyers Today
Whether you were in a car crash on I-10, slipped in the French Quarter, or were hurt at work, getting checked out by a doctor is one of the simplest ways to protect your health and your claim.
At Crescent City Personal Injury, we take every case seriously and guide clients every step of the way. We are here to help you heal, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve. If you were injured in an accident, contact our team today at 504-608-0084 or visit our website to schedule a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Should I go to the hospital even if I feel fine after an accident?
Yes, you should always get checked by a doctor, even if you feel okay, because many injuries, like concussions or internal trauma, don’t show symptoms right away and can worsen over time. A prompt medical exam also creates documentation that can strengthen your personal injury case later. - Does going to the doctor help my personal injury claim?
Absolutely. Seeing a doctor not only ensures your health is protected, but also provides medical records that clearly link your injuries to the accident, which is essential when building a strong claim. - Will my case still matter if my injuries are minor?
Yes, it will. We take every case seriously, because even minor injuries can still impact your life, and you deserve compensation for any pain, disruption, or medical costs you’ve experienced. - What if I can’t afford medical treatment after an accident?
We understand that medical bills can be overwhelming, so we can connect you with healthcare providers who work with accident victims and offer treatment with deferred payment until your case is resolved. - How soon should I see a doctor after an accident?
It’s best to get medical attention the same day, or as soon as possible, because prompt treatment protects your health and helps prove that the accident caused your injuries. - What is the deadline to file a claim in Louisiana?
Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 3492, you generally have one year from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim, and missing that deadline could mean losing your right to seek compensation.