You should always get medical treatment after a car accident, even if you don’t think you’re hurt. Many injuries, such as whiplash, can show up hours or days later. There are many benefits to getting immediate medical care after a crash. It should be one of your top priorities.
When Should I Get Medical Treatment After a Car Accident?
You should get medical care right away after a car accident. Even if you don’t feel injured, you should see a doctor to ensure there are no hidden injuries.
If you start experiencing symptoms such as pain or soreness after an accident, you should return to the doctor for a follow up. You may have injuries that were not realized initially and need to be treated later.
It’s important to get medical treatment right after the accident as well as anytime you feel symptoms from the injuries you sustained. You will need a thorough medical record to show the insurance company when you make a car accident claim.
Why Do I Need Medical Treatment After a Car Accident?
Medical treatment after a car accident is important to ensure you start the healing process as well as to establish a baseline for the severity of your injuries. You should immediately go to the emergency room or a trauma care center. However, if you don’t think your injuries warrant emergency medical treatment, you should at least go to an urgent care center or your primary care physician.
Your medical providers will thoroughly check for soft tissue injuries such as sprains, strains, bruises, and lacerations. Even slow speed accidents can result in injuries caused by the seat belt and other parts of the car. If you were involved in a rear end collision, whiplash symptoms can take days to appear. X-rays and other diagnostic testing may be necessary to check for broken bones and other injuries. Once your doctors determine all your injuries, they can begin treatment. It’s important to start this process early.
If you fail to get a baseline for the severity of your injuries, the insurance companies may deny or delay your claim. They may say that you were not really injured or there was another incident that occurred after the crash that actually caused your injuries. Your initial medical treatment should take place as soon as possible so that the insurance company can see there is a causal link between the car accident and your injuries.
Do I Need Medical Treatment If I Was in a Fender Bender?
A fender bender is a minor car accident that does not cause much property damage. Oftentimes, there is little to no visible damage on the vehicles after a fender bender. However, that does not mean you won’t have injuries from the accident.
Even a minor crash can result in whiplash, seat-belt related injuries, and soft tissue damage. If you had preexisting conditions, such as back or neck injuries, those may be exacerbated or made worse by a fender bender. It’s best to always see a doctor after any type of car accident.
What Types of Medical Treatment Should I Get After a Car Accident?
There are multiple types of medical treatment you may need after a car accident. Those range from immediate care to ongoing and even the potential for lifetime medical treatment that may be necessary.
Emergency Medical Care After a Car Accident
The most important treatment after a crash is emergency medical care, which you may receive at an emergency room or trauma center. You may need to be transported by ambulance or have someone else drive you to the hospital.
Emergency medical care will help you establish that baseline for the severity of your injuries as well as get the healing process started. You will likely have several diagnostic tests, including x-rays, which can help determine your exact car crash injuries. The ER will begin to treat your injuries and make sure you are stable before releasing you with recommendations for follow up care.
See Your Primary Care Physician After a Crash
You should also schedule an appointment with your primary care physician (PCP) after a car crash. Your doctor knows your chronic conditions and any typical level of pain that you experience on a daily basis. They can compare past medical records with your ER records and refer you for further treatment.
You May See a Physical Therapist After a Crash
If you have ongoing pain caused by injuries to your muscles and joints, your doctors may recommend that you see a physical therapist. This is a person who helps you manipulate your body through exercises and stretches that work towards healing. You will also likely have exercises that you will need to complete at home frequently.
Specialists You May See After a Car Accident
If you sustained serious injuries in a car accident, such as a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or severe burns, you may see medical specialists who can help you in your healing process. These doctors have extensive training in specialized fields and will be able to identify your ongoing health needs.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer After Getting the Medical Help You Need
Once you have seen an emergency medical provider, you should contact a car accident lawyer who can help you with the insurance claims process. You will likely have significant medical bills related to your crash. You shouldn’t have to pay for the actions of someone else.
Call attorney Venus Poe today at (864) 963-0310 to schedule a case consultation.