What do I do for my auto injury, if there is a wait list to be seen by my doctor?

[Anonymous]

I was involved in a 10 car pile up 2 days ago. No one was seriously injured, but the following day I noticed pain in my shoulder and went to my PCP. She tole me I likely tore my rotator cuff.

Since it was related to an auto accident, only certain doctors will see me. My issue is, my arm is hurting more and more and becomming less mobile... and the soonest I can see a doctor is in 3 weeks.

They said I must go through my car insurance and can't just use my regular coverage, and that is why only certain doctors will deal with me.

I'm not sure what to do. I need an orthopedist to assess me right away to make sure it's not more seroius and I have no idea if waiting 3 weeks is okay or not.

Does anyone have experience with this? I don't know what to do. Urgent Care will not do anything beyond what my PCP already did... and will likely send me to the ER. Should I just go to the ER or will that derail what needs to be done with an orthopedist?

[Anonymous]

Consider calling an attorney. I've never had any experience with a personal injury case but it wouldn't surprise me if a good personal injury attorney had direct connections with doctors trained to treat auto injuries. Under no circumstances would I, personally, wait an additional three weeks for treatment if I were in significant pain and discomfort. Consider calling an injury helpline from your insurance (if there is one). Also see if your insurance has a patients' ombudsman who can help.

You can ask around and see if anyone you know has ever had good experience with a personal injury lawyer. You could also read online reviews. In any decently sized metro area there will be many such lawyers wanting to compete for your business.

Take care of yourself and good luck.