By Shane Smith – Personal Injury Attorney at Shane Smith Law
A lot of people ask us:
“Why do I need to see a medical doctor? Can’t I just go to my chiropractor or physical therapist?”
The short answer is → you can.
But there are some important reasons why you should also see a medical doctor.
Let me explain why that matters, especially when it comes to your health and your case.
🧍♂️Your Chiropractor or PT Can Help But They Have Limits
Look, we’re big fans of chiropractors and physical therapists. They help tons of people recover after a wreck.
In fact, we work with a lot of excellent providers across Georgia and North Carolina.
But here’s the truth:
They don’t have the same tools, access, or diagnostic power as a medical doctor (MD).
That means:
- They can’t order MRIs or advanced imaging
- They often can’t diagnose deeper injuries like disc herniations or ligament tears
- Some don’t even have the equipment to take x–rays of joints like knees or shoulders
So, while they may be helping reduce pain and improve mobility, they could be treating symptoms, not necessarily addressing the underlying issue.
For a free legal consultation, call (980) 246-2656
🧠 What Medical Doctors Can Do That Others Can’t
Medical doctors can:
- Diagnose more serious injuries
- Order tests like MRIs, CT scans, or specialty x-rays
- Refer you to specialists like orthopedists or neurologists
- Prescribe medications if needed
- Write stronger reports for the insurance company or court
If something more serious is going on, like a torn ligament, herniated disc, or nerve compression, a chiropractor won’t catch that. But a medical doctor might.
📍Why This Matters for Your Long-Term Health
Sometimes an injury feels better after a few weeks of treatment, but that doesn’t mean it’s fully healed.
If you have something like:
- A partial tear
- A bulging disc
- A damaged joint or nerve
…you might be feeling okay now, but that pain could come back months or years later.
And if no doctor diagnosed it?
You’re on your own for future care; and the insurance company won’t pay for it.
That’s why we tell our clients:
Let’s get it checked now. Let’s get it documented. Let’s make sure nothing gets missed.
Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today
🔁Shane’s Real-Life Example
This happened to me.
Years ago, while I was in the Army, I had a partial tear in my knee. I went through rehab, it stopped hurting, and I moved on.
Fast forward a few years; suddenly, it’s hurting again.
Turns out, it never fully healed. That tear was still there. It had just quieted down… until it got worse.
That’s what we want to help you avoid.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
💼What This Means for Your Case
Insurance companies want to see:
- A clear diagnosis
- From a licensed medical doctor
- With objective proof (like an MRI)
If that’s missing, they’ll argue your injury isn’t serious. Or worse, they’ll say it didn’t happen in the accident.
Seeing a medical doctor early helps us:
- Build a stronger case
- Get you proper treatment
- Avoid gaps or missing diagnosis that could hurt your claim
Final Thoughts from Shane
We’re not saying stop seeing your chiropractor or physical therapist.
We’re saying add a medical doctor to your care team so nothing gets missed.
It’s your health. It’s your case. And we want to protect both.
📞 In pain? Call Shane! 980-999-9999
💼 Shane Smith Law – Focus on Healing. We’ll Handle the Rest.
📺 Like what you read? Check out our other blogs on frequently asked questions or YouTube channel to stay informed about your rights after an accident.
Call or text (980) 246-2656 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
