Questions to Ask Your Doctor After an Accident

After an accident, your priority is your health. But once you are sitting in a doctor’s office, often in pain, overwhelmed, and still processing what happened, it is easy to forget what to ask.

The right questions can do two critical things:

• Help you get the medical care you need to recover as fully as possible
• Create clear, consistent medical documentation that can protect your legal rights in New York, where medical records play a significant role in no-fault benefits and personal injury claims

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we represent injured New Yorkers across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. We help accident victims understand what to ask, what to document, and how to protect themselves from insurance company tactics from day one.

Free consultation: Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462)
Get started online: Get a Free Case Review.
There is no fee unless we are successful.

Why doctor visits matter after a New York City accident

Seeing a doctor after a car accident, slip and fall, or other injury is not just about immediate treatment. Doctor visits are where injuries are identified, monitored, treated, and documented over time. That documentation is often the backbone of a New York personal injury claim.

Insurance companies closely review medical records and often try to reduce or deny claims by pointing to:

• Gaps in medical care
• Vague or incomplete medical notes
• Missing work restrictions
• Delayed symptom reporting

Asking focused questions helps ensure your medical records accurately reflect your injuries, limitations, and treatment needs. This can make a significant difference when seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

What to bring to your doctor’s appointment after an accident

To make the most of your visit, consider bringing:

• A written list of symptoms, including pain level, location, and what makes symptoms worse or better
• Photos of visible injuries such as bruising or swelling
• A list of medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications
• Information about prior injuries or medical conditions
• The date of the accident and a brief, accurate description of what happened

If possible, bring a trusted friend or family member to help listen and take notes.

Essential questions to ask your doctor after an accident

Bring these questions to every appointment, whether you are in the emergency room, urgent care, or a follow-up visit with your regular doctor.

1. What injuries did I sustain, and how serious are they?

Please provide specific diagnoses and the body parts affected. If your neck, back, head, or joints are involved, ask for precise documentation. Also, ask whether anything is still being evaluated or ruled out.

2. Are there injuries you are trying to rule out?

Many accident injuries do not show up right away. This includes concussions, soft tissue injuries, internal injuries, and nerve damage. Ask whether further testing or follow-up is needed.

3. What symptoms should I expect in the coming days or weeks?

Delayed symptoms are common after accidents. Could you ask what is normal, what is concerning, and what should prompt urgent medical attention?

Common delayed symptoms include headaches, dizziness, neck or shoulder stiffness, back pain, numbness or tingling, weakness, sleep problems, and mood changes.

4. What caused my injuries, and are they consistent with the accident?

This question addresses medical causation. Could you ask whether your injuries are consistent with the type of accident involved and whether the accident aggravated a pre-existing condition? Medical documentation connecting your injuries to the accident can be critical in a New York injury claim.

5. Will these injuries cause future problems?

Ask about long-term risks such as chronic pain, reduced mobility, arthritis, nerve damage, future procedures, or permanent limitations. Even if the doctor cannot yet be sure, documenting potential future issues is essential.

6. What is the recommended treatment plan, and what happens if I do not improve?

Ask your doctor to clearly explain medications, physical therapy, rehabilitation, imaging, referrals to specialists, and the follow-up schedule. Also, ask what the next step will be if symptoms persist.

7. How long will recovery take, and how long will treatment last?

While no timeline is guaranteed, doctors can often provide clinical averages or estimated ranges. This information helps with planning and becomes part of your medical record.

8. Should I be off work while I recover?

Lost income is a significant issue after many NYC accidents. Ask whether you should stop working, work with restrictions, or reduce hours. Request written work restriction or disability notes whenever applicable.

9. What activities should I avoid while I recover?

Ask about lifting, standing, driving, stairs, exercise, childcare duties, and job-specific tasks. These restrictions protect your health and help prevent insurance companies from arguing that you made your injuries worse.

10. Do you know if I need a specialist or referrals?

Depending on your injuries, you may need an orthopedist, neurologist, pain management provider, or physical therapist. Could you ask whether referrals are required for treatment or insurance coverage?

11. Can you document that my symptoms began after this accident?

This is one of the most critical questions. Clear documentation linking the accident to your symptoms, limitations, and treatment needs can be vital in a New York personal injury case.

12. How can I get copies of my medical records?

Request copies of visit notes, diagnoses, imaging reports, prescriptions, referrals, therapy plans, and work restriction notes. Having your own records can prevent delays and help your attorney fully understand your case.

Medical documentation and New York personal injury claims

In New York, medical records play a central role in:

• No-fault insurance benefits, including medical coverage and certain wage benefits
• Personal injury claims that qualify beyond no-fault under New York law

Insurance companies may argue your injuries are minor, unrelated, or pre-existing. Detailed, consistent medical documentation, started early, can significantly strengthen your claim.

Emotional and psychological injuries after an accident

Accidents often cause more than physical injuries. Anxiety, depression, PTSD symptoms, sleep disruption, and fear of driving are common after traumatic events.

Could you tell your doctor about emotional symptoms and ask whether counseling is recommended, whether referrals can be made, and whether these symptoms can be documented? Emotional injuries are real, treatable, and may be part of your claim.

How Greenstein & Pittari, LLP helps NYC accident victims

You should not have to fight insurance companies while trying to heal. Our role is to protect your rights, build a strong case, and pursue the full compensation you deserve.

We represent accident victims across New York City in cases involving:

• Car accidents, including Uber, Lyft, and taxi crashes
• Truck and delivery vehicle accidents
• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Slip and fall and premises liability injuries
• Serious injuries involving fractures, head trauma, and back or neck injuries

Free consultation: Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462)
There is no fee unless we are successful.

Frequently asked questions about seeing a doctor after an accident

Should I see a doctor even if I feel okay after an accident?
Yes. Adrenaline can mask symptoms, and many injuries appear later. Early evaluation protects your health and documents the injury timeline.

What if my doctor says it is just soft tissue?
Soft tissue injuries can still be painful and long-lasting. Ask what is suspected, what should be ruled out, and what treatment is recommended, and make sure it is documented.

What delayed symptoms should I watch for?
Common delayed symptoms include headaches, dizziness, neck or back pain, numbness or weakness, abdominal pain, and changes in sleep or mood.

Do I need an MRI or CT scan right away?
Not always. Persistent pain, worsening symptoms, or neurological signs may justify imaging. Ask your doctor what would trigger further testing.

What if I had a pre-existing condition before the accident?
You may still have a valid claim if the accident aggravated the condition. Could you ask your doctor to document what changed after the accident?

Why are work restrictions so important?
Work restrictions support claims for lost wages and reduced earning capacity and help show how injuries affect daily life.

What is maximum medical improvement?
Maximum medical improvement is when further treatment is not expected to improve your condition, even if symptoms remain significant. This can affect how damages are evaluated.

When should I talk to a New York City personal injury lawyer?
As soon as possible, especially if you are injured, missing work, need ongoing treatment, or are dealing with insurance pressure.

Free consultation with Greenstein & Pittari, LLP

If you were injured anywhere in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, or Staten Island, we are here to help you move forward with confidence.

Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462)
The call is free. The consultation is free.
You do not pay us unless we are successful.

Don’t Be a Victim Twice.