Car Accident FAQs Atlanta GA | NexGen Medical Centers
Have questions about what to do after a car accident, how treatment works, or how billing is handled? You're not alone. Below are the questions our patients ask most often — answered clearly and honestly.If you don't see your question here, call us at (770) 685-0679 and we'll get you answers right away.
Getting Treatment
How soon after a car accident should I see a doctor?
As soon as possible — ideally the same day or within 24 hours. For insurance purposes, most auto insurance policies require you to seek medical treatment within 72 hours of the accident for your medical costs to be covered. Beyond the insurance deadline, early evaluation matters because many serious injuries — including herniated discs, whiplash, and concussions — worsen significantly when left untreated. NexGen Medical Centers offers same-day appointments 24/7 so there is no reason to wait.
Do I need a referral to be seen at NexGen Medical Centers?
No. You do not need a referral. You can call us directly at (770) 685-0679 and we will schedule you for a same-day evaluation.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Bring your driver's license, your auto insurance information, the police report from the accident if you have it, and the contact information for your personal injury attorney if you have one. If you have any prior medical records related to injuries in the same area, bring those as well.
Can I still be treated if the accident happened weeks or months ago?
Yes. While earlier treatment is always better, it is never too late to seek care. Our physicians will evaluate your current condition and injuries regardless of when the accident occurred and develop a treatment plan appropriate for where you are in your recovery.
Should I go to the ER or come directly to NexGen?
If you have life-threatening injuries — severe head trauma, difficulty breathing, suspected spinal fracture, or loss of consciousness — go to the emergency room immediately. For all other accident injuries, NexGen Medical Centers is the right choice. We specialize in accident injury evaluation and treatment and can see you same-day without the long ER wait times.
Your Injuries
I feel fine after the accident. Do I still need to be seen?
Yes. The adrenaline released during a crash can mask pain and injury symptoms for hours or even days. Many of the most serious car accident injuries — including whiplash, herniated discs, and concussions — have delayed onset symptoms. Patients who feel fine at the scene frequently develop significant pain and dysfunction 24 to 72 hours later. Getting evaluated immediately protects both your health and your legal claim.
How long will I be sore after a car accident?
It depends entirely on the nature of your injuries and how promptly you receive treatment. Minor muscle soreness often resolves within a few days to two weeks. Whiplash symptoms, if left untreated, can persist for 2 to 3 months or longer. Disc and nerve injuries may take several months to fully resolve with proper treatment. The sooner you begin targeted treatment, the faster and more completely you recover.
Can a car accident cause injuries that don't show up on an X-ray?
Yes — and this is extremely common. Soft tissue injuries to muscles, ligaments, and tendons, herniated discs, nerve damage, and concussions often do not appear on standard X-rays. MRI is the gold standard for diagnosing these types of injuries, and our physicians will order imaging appropriate to your symptoms.
My car had very little damage. Can I still be seriously injured?
Absolutely. Vehicle damage is not a reliable indicator of injury severity. Studies have shown that cervical spine injuries can occur at impact speeds as low as 5 mph — even when the vehicle shows no visible damage. The bumpers and frames of modern cars are designed to absorb impact energy, which can actually result in more force being transferred to the occupants rather than the vehicle structure.
Paying for Treatment
How much does treatment at NexGen Medical Centers cost out of pocket?
For accident victims, there is typically no out-of-pocket cost. NexGen Medical Centers works on a personal injury lien basis — meaning we treat you now and are paid from the settlement of your personal injury claim. You pay nothing upfront.
What is a personal injury lien?
A personal injury lien is a legal agreement between you, your attorney, and NexGen Medical Centers that allows you to receive treatment without paying at the time of service. NexGen is compensated from the proceeds of your personal injury settlement or judgment. This arrangement means your financial situation never prevents you from getting the medical care you need after an accident.
What insurance do you accept?
We accept most major auto insurance plans and work on personal injury liens for accident victims. If you have questions about your specific coverage, call us at (770) 685-0679 and our billing team will walk you through your options.
What if the accident was my fault? Can I still be treated?
Yes. Your ability to receive medical treatment is not dependent on who was at fault in the accident. If you were injured, you deserve care. Call us and we will help determine the best payment pathway for your situation.
Working With an Attorney
Do I need a personal injury attorney?
You are not required to have an attorney, but having one significantly protects your interests when dealing with insurance companies. Personal injury attorneys work on contingency — meaning they are paid from your settlement and you owe nothing upfront. If you don't have an attorney yet, our team can refer you to experienced personal injury attorneys in the Atlanta area.
Will NexGen Medical Centers work with my attorney?
Yes — and we do so regularly. Our physicians provide thorough, well-documented medical records, injury narratives, and causation documentation that support personal injury claims. We communicate directly with your attorney's office and understand the documentation requirements that attorneys need to build strong cases for their clients.
How does NexGen's documentation help my injury claim?
Thorough medical documentation is one of the most important factors in a successful personal injury claim. Our physicians document the nature of your injuries, the mechanism of causation (how the accident caused them), your treatment course, and your prognosis — all of which are critical to establishing the value of your claim and countering insurance company arguments that your injuries were pre-existing or unrelated to the crash.
About NexGen Medical Centers
What types of treatments does NexGen Medical Centers offer?
We specialize in interventional pain management and regenerative medicine — advanced, non-surgical treatments that target the source of your pain directly. Our treatments include epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, radiofrequency ablation, and trigger point injections
How many locations does NexGen Medical Centers have?
We have 7 locations across the Atlanta metro area — in Atlanta, Cumming, Gainesville, Lawrenceville, Riverdale, Conyers, and Marietta. Same-day appointments are available at all locations.
Are your doctors available on weekends?
Yes. Our doctors are available 24/7, including weekends. After hours Telehealth consultations are also available
How do I schedule an appointment?
Call us at (770) 685-0679 or visit our Contact page to request an appointment.