We recently started a series answering some of the recurring questions that we have heard over the years. Last week, we discussed the contingent attorney fee.
When you’re injured in an accident, it can feel like your entire world flips upside down. Pain, confusion, and a flurry of unfamiliar decisions often follow and one of the first questions you’re faced with is where to get medical care.
As an accident attorney in Hamilton, Ohio, we frequently hear from clients who aren’t sure where to go or who to trust. And we understand why. The early days after an injury are overwhelming. But choosing your own path for treatment is not only your right; it’s a crucial part of protecting your recovery and your legal case.
Just like you have the right to choose where your vehicle is repaired after a crash, you have full control over where and how you receive medical treatment.
Receiving Health Care After a Car Accident in Ohio
You can choose to be treated at the scene by emergency crews, transported to a hospital, or make an appointment with your family doctor, chiropractor, or physical therapist. No one can force you to use a particular provider, and you should never feel pressured into accepting care from someone you don’t know or trust.
Unfortunately, some companies attempt to solicit business from injured individuals, sometimes within hours of a crash. This has led to legal pushback in Ohio. In October 2019, a law was passed to restrict healthcare practitioners from directly contacting motor vehicle accident victims for 30 days. While a preliminary injunction in July 2020 paused the enforcement of that law, contact information listed in law enforcement reports remains protected for now.
The takeaway? You control your care. Even as these legal battles play out, your right to choose your own provider remains fully intact.
Navigating Treatment with Confidence
If your injuries require specialized care beyond what an emergency room or general practitioner can provide, you can work with both your medical provider and your health insurer to find the right specialist, just like you would for any non-accident-related medical issue.
For example, your primary care doctor might recommend physical therapy. From there, you can verify with your health insurance which physical therapists are within your network. If you’re unsure where to begin, personal recommendations from friends or family can be a valuable resource. Many of our clients have had positive experiences with orthopedic doctors, neurologists, or physical therapists who were suggested by someone close to them.
It’s also important to understand your options when it comes to paying for treatment. If you’re concerned about medical bills, health insurance is the first line of defense. Additionally, your auto insurance policy might include medical payments coverage, a benefit that can be used to pay for accident-related medical care regardless of who was at fault.
At The Richards Firm, we often help clients navigate these kinds of insurance questions. It’s not just about legal representation; it’s about making sure you’re cared for in every way, from your physical recovery to your financial stability.
Need Legal Representation? We’re Here for You
Choosing medical care after an accident can feel like stepping into a maze. But you don’t have to walk that path alone. At The Richards Firm, we’re committed to helping people in Hamilton, Ohio and throughout Greater Cincinnati make informed, empowered choices after injury.
We regularly accept and win the tough cases that others avoid: vehicle and truck accidents, dog bites, defective products, nursing home negligence, wrongful death, and more. Our goal is simple: provide clear answers, steady guidance, and strong legal advocacy tailored to your unique situation.
Whether you’re navigating confusing bills, denied claims, or unclear insurance coverage, we’re ready to listen and take action.
Call us today at 513-868-2731 or visit richardsinjuryfirm.com to schedule your free consultation. You can also follow us on Facebook @TheRichardsFirm or Twitter @FirmRichards.
Your care. Your case. Your choice. Let’s move forward together.