Reviewed by Larry Forman, Attorney.
After a crash, many people aren’t sure where to go. Should you go to the ER, urgent care, your family doctor or a chiropractor? The right answer depends on your symptoms. The most important thing is to get checked promptly and follow through with care.
Emergency room: right away for serious symptoms
Go to the ER or call 911 for head injuries, loss of consciousness, severe pain, numbness or weakness, chest or abdominal pain, trouble breathing or obvious fractures. See Louisville trauma centers and airbag injuries.
Urgent care or your primary care doctor: within a day or two
If your symptoms are milder, an urgent care clinic or your primary care doctor can examine you, order X-rays and send you to the right kind of doctor. Tell them it was a car crash and describe every symptom, even small ones.
Doctors you may see next
- Orthopedic doctors for fractures, joint injuries and many back and neck injuries. See broken bones and knee and shoulder injuries.
- Neurologists for concussions, headaches, numbness and nerve symptoms. See head injury symptoms after a car accident and nerve damage.
- Physical therapists to restore strength and motion.
- Chiropractors, whom many people see for neck and back pain. Kentucky PIP can pay for chiropractic care that is reasonable and necessary.
- Pain management doctors for injections and ongoing pain.
- Mental health providers for anxiety, sleep problems or PTSD after a crash. See PTSD and emotional distress.
How your medical bills get paid
Unless you rejected it in writing, your own PIP (personal injury protection) coverage pays up to $10,000 of medical bills and lost wages regardless of fault. See how Kentucky PIP works. Your health insurance may pay after PIP. See Kentucky PIP law changes in 2026 and who pays medical bills after a crash. You can also tell your PIP insurer how to direct benefits among your bills.
Why prompt, consistent care matters for your claim
- Delays give insurers a reason to say something else caused your injuries. See gaps in treatment and delayed symptoms.
- Missed appointments look like you recovered.
- Clear records connect your injuries to the crash.
- To recover pain and suffering from an at-fault driver, Kentucky’s no-fault law generally requires more than $1,000 in medical expenses, or an injury such as a fracture, permanent injury, permanent disfigurement or permanent loss of bodily function (KRS 304.39-060).
Tips for every appointment
- Describe how the crash happened and every symptom.
- Mention any earlier injuries to the same body part. See pre-existing conditions.
- Follow the treatment plan, or tell the doctor why you can’t.
- Keep copies of records, bills and mileage.
- Track your symptoms in our free injury pain journal.
Deadlines
Most Kentucky motor vehicle injury claims must be filed within two years of the crash or the last PIP payment, whichever is later (KRS 304.39-230). Use our statute of limitations calculator.
Questions about your care or your claim?
We can help you understand how PIP works, what to tell the insurer and how to keep your claim on track. See our car crash lawyer page.
Doctor after a car accident FAQs
How soon should I see a doctor after a car accident?
As soon as possible, ideally the same day or the next. Some injuries show symptoms later, and delays can hurt your claim.
Will PIP pay for a chiropractor in Kentucky?
PIP pays reasonable and necessary medical expenses, which can include chiropractic care, up to your coverage limit.
Do I need my doctor’s approval to see an orthopedic doctor or neurologist after a crash?
It depends on your health insurance plan. Your primary care or urgent care doctor can arrange it if your plan requires that.
Hurt in a Louisville car accident?
We can explain how your bills get paid and what to do next. The consultation is free. Get a free case evaluation or call (502) 931-6788.
This post is general information about Kentucky law, not legal advice. Every case is different.
