Partner at Charbonnet Law Firm LLC
Practice Areas: Personal Injury
Getting into a car accident is stressful enough on its own. But what many people don’t realize is how important it is to get medical treatment right away—even if you feel okay. At first, injuries may go unnoticed, and neglecting medical attention could harm your health and your accident claim.
Let’s take a closer look at why seeing a doctor quickly after a crash is so important, how it helps your personal injury case, and what Louisiana laws you should know.
After a car accident, adrenaline can mask pain, making injuries easy to overlook. However, symptoms like headaches or stiffness often appear hours or days later. Delaying care can worsen your condition and give insurers a reason to question your claim.
Even if you feel fine after a car accident, it’s essential to get checked by a medical professional within 72 hours — some injuries remain hidden but can worsen quickly. — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Some injuries take time to show up. These are especially risky because you may not feel anything at first but could face serious complications later.
Here’s a look at injuries that are often delayed and the dangers of ignoring them:
|
Injury Type |
Typical Delay in Symptoms |
Possible Consequences if Untreated |
| Concussion / TBI | Hours to days | Memory issues, mood changes, chronic headaches |
| Internal Bleeding | 1–3 days | Organ failure, life-threatening complications |
| Whiplash | 1–2 days | Chronic neck pain, reduced mobility |
| Soft Tissue Injuries | 2–5 days | Muscle stiffness, ongoing discomfort |
| Spinal Cord Injuries | Immediate to several days | Numbness, long-term disability or paralysis |
Your medical records are the foundation of your personal injury claim. They show the direct connection between the car crash and your injuries. Without them, your case becomes much harder to prove.
Doctors’ notes, diagnostic tests, and treatment plans help explain:
This kind of documentation also helps your attorney argue for fair compensation. It’s hard for insurance adjusters to dispute facts written by medical professionals.
Medical records are often the most critical form of evidence in car accident injury cases. Without them, your claim may be denied or reduced.
Going to the doctor once isn’t enough. You need to follow the whole treatment plan they give you, whether it’s physical therapy, follow-up appointments, or medication use as prescribed.
Insurance companies look for gaps in treatment. If you miss appointments or stop care early, they might argue that you weren’t really injured. This can reduce your settlement or even lead to a denial.
Failing to follow up on prescribed treatment may be used by the insurer to argue that your injuries aren’t serious.
Insurance adjusters don’t want to pay more than they have to. One of their primary tactics is to question your injuries. They will examine your medical history closely—looking for delays in treatment, missed appointments, or signs that your injuries were pre-existing.
They often use formulas that multiply your medical costs by a number to estimate “pain and suffering.” If your records are incomplete, you may only receive compensation for basic expenses, missing out on future care and long-term effects.
If you live in Louisiana or your accident happened here, two legal rules matter a lot for your injury claim.
Louisiana follows a “pure comparative fault” system. This means your compensation can be reduced if you’re found partially at fault for the crash. For example, if you’re 20% at fault, your damages will be reduced by 20%.
Louisiana’s comparative fault law may reduce your compensation if you’re partially at fault.— Louisiana Civil Code Article 2323
Louisiana has one of the shortest time limits in the country for filing a personal injury lawsuit—one year from the date of the accident.
Louisiana has one of the shortest deadlines to file a personal injury claim — just one year from the date of the accident. — Louisiana Civil Code Article 3492
This is why it’s critical to act quickly, get treated, and talk to a personal injury attorney.
Handling a car accident claim on your own can be overwhelming. There are medical bills, insurance forms, and tight deadlines. A personal injury lawyer can help you stay on track, gather the proper evidence, and deal with the insurance company for you.
They can also recommend trusted local doctors who understand how to document accident-related injuries properly. This ensures your treatment supports your case while focusing on your recovery.
Ideally, within 24–72 hours. Even if you feel fine, some injuries take time to appear. Seeing a doctor early helps protect both your health and your claim.
Yes, but don’t wait any longer. See a doctor immediately and explain that your symptoms began after the accident. The sooner you act, the better for your case.
Yes, you’re free to see your doctor. Just make sure they document your injuries clearly and consistently. Your attorney can also help you find a provider familiar with accident cases.
Not usually. Bills are often settled later through negotiations. A lawyer can help coordinate care, negotiate bills, or protect you from collections during your case.
Yes. Some injuries are internal or take days to show symptoms. Getting checked out can catch problems early and create a medical record in case you develop symptoms later.
Getting medical treatment after a car accident isn’t just about feeling better—it’s about protecting your future. Quick, proper care helps you heal and gives your injury claim the strong foundation it needs. In Louisiana, with strict deadlines and state-specific rules, these steps matter even more.
If you or someone you care about has been in a car crash in the New Orleans area, don’t wait. Get medical help. Then, consider reaching out to a personal injury attorney who understands how to guide you through the process and protect your legal rights.
Charbonnet Law Firm, LLC has been serving New Orleans families for over 50 years. We’re here to help you navigate the legal side of your recovery—so you can focus on healing.
With over 50 years of legal experience serving families in the New Orleans area and surrounding Louisiana communities, our firm takes pride in providing clients with personalized legal services tailored to individual needs.
