Car accidents, regardless of their severity, can result in a range of mental, emotional, and physical injuries, some of which may be long-term or even life-threatening. In the aftermath of a car accident, victims often face complex issues such as the loss of their motor vehicle, property damage, arranging time off work, and negotiating with insurance companies, all while dealing with the aftermath of the accident. Whether the accident was caused by another party’s fault or involved an uninsured motorist, it’s crucial to seek medical treatment immediately without worrying about who was involved in the crash. Additionally, remember to call the police and file a report at the scene of the accident.
Sometimes, it is hard to know exactly what happened and who was at fault in an accident but getting prompt diagnosis and treatment for any accident-related injuries is essential. Delaying medical evaluation can not only jeopardize your health but also undermine your case for personal injury compensation. For example, if you wait to see a doctor, it may weaken your claim as insurance companies might argue that your injuries are less severe or unrelated to the accident.
A common reason victims might postpone visiting a doctor is uncertainty about which specialist to consult. If you’re unsure of the severity of your injuries, knowing where to start can be challenging. In these cases, calling 911 immediately after the accident is crucial, as emergency medical personnel can provide initial treatment and guide you on the next steps.
Rush to Emergency Room for Minor Car Injuries
In the event of an accident resulting in serious injuries, you will likely be rushed to an emergency room for immediate medical attention. It is also important to file a police report at the accident scene to ensure all details are documented for the insurance company’s records. The hospital staff will assess your condition, provide urgent care, and document your injuries in detail. These medical records will reflect the extent of your injuries from the crash. It’s important to report the accident to the relevant authorities and insurance companies as soon as possible. Additionally, keep track of all medical bills and records, as they will be crucial for your claim.
Primary Care Physician
If the accident was not severe, you should see a primary care physician as soon as possible after the accident occurred. Follow a checklist to ensure you provide your doctor with all necessary details about the crash, which will help them perform a thorough examination for injuries that may not exhibit immediate symptoms. Describe any discomfort or pain you’re experiencing so your doctor can document these details accurately. This information can be critical for your car insurance company. By visiting your primary care physician promptly, you’re prioritizing your health and creating a record of your injuries from the collision. This documentation will be vital for your automobile insurance claim.
Orthopedists
Due to the nature of vehicle accidents, orthopedists are frequently recommended as specialists following a car accident. Orthopedists focus on the musculoskeletal system and address a range of injuries, including fractures, torn ligaments, herniated disks, and chronic conditions like tendonitis. If you are involved in an accident and need to file a claim with the insurance company, having an orthopedist’s evaluation and treatment can be crucial. Their detailed medical reports and diagnosis can significantly impact the outcome after filing your claim by providing essential evidence of your injuries and their treatment. These records can be crucial when dealing with the driver’s insurance company.
Neurologist Treatment Checklist
Brain and spinal injuries are unfortunately common in car accidents, and conditions such as concussions, nerve damage, or other forms of brain trauma may not present symptoms immediately. Even if symptoms appear soon after the accident, victims might dismiss them as minor or temporary, when in fact they can be quite serious. To ensure proper diagnosis and treatment, it is crucial to follow the right steps to take immediately after a car accident. This includes seeking immediate medical attention and ensuring that these injuries are properly documented in your accident report.
Symptoms that might warrant a referral to a neurologist include:
- Persistent headaches
- Tingling sensations
- Nerve pain
- Numbness
- Loss of feeling or strength in the extremities
Additionally, when dealing with an insurance adjuster, having a detailed medical report and evidence of your symptoms is essential.
Visit a Physical Therapist for an Auto Accident
After visiting your primary care physician and other specialists, you may be referred to a physical therapist for long-term treatment. Physical therapists help patients recover from injuries by treating pain and inflammation as well as addressing issues with range of motion or lack of strength. Often, physical therapy can be key in regaining mobility following a traumatic car accident injury.
Psychiatrist or Mental Health Professional
The mental and emotional toll that car accidents take on victims can be extreme. Often overlooked in lieu of physical health following a car crash, mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and more can all result from auto accidents.
When discussing your condition with any medical professional, be honest about the state of your mental and emotional well-being so you can be referred to the proper mental health professional if needed. In the event that you decide to file suit for pain and suffering damages, having a record of your effort to treat your mental health can help in proving your case.
How Long Can You Seek Medical Treatment After Car Accident Scene?
After a car accident, seeking prompt medical treatment is crucial for your health and any potential legal claims. Ideally, you should rush to the nearest care center immediately, even if you don’t feel seriously injured. This ensures that hidden injuries are diagnosed and treated early, preventing future complications.
In the immediate aftermath, medical professionals will assess your condition, provide necessary treatments, and document your injuries. This documentation is vital for your insurance policy and any legal proceedings with a car accident lawyer to ensure the insurance company will pay. If the accident is severe, paramedics might take you directly to the hospital. For less severe cases, visit your primary care physician within 24 to 48 hours for a thorough assessment and referrals to specialists if needed. Additionally, this visit should be noted in a car accident checklist.
Partner with an Experienced Texas Car Accident Attorney
The Lopez Law Group understands the importance of seeing a doctor as quickly as possible following an automobile crash. We know that insurance companies will use a delayed doctor visit as a reason to undermine your injuries and the compensation they offer you. Additionally, creating a car accident checklist to collect the facts of the accident and gathering essential documents such as a police report and insurance information can further support the details of your case.
Our Texas auto accident lawyers have decades of combined experience helping car accident victims get the compensation they deserve. We can assist in handling your auto insurance claims and ensuring that all necessary documentation, including vehicle damage assessments, is properly managed. We proudly serve Houston, Weslaco, Tyler, Spring, Mission, McAllen, Laredo, Edinburg, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, Harlingen, and other locations throughout the state.
If you are injured in a car accident and need a lawyer, The Lopez Law Group can help. Contact us online today or call (956) 968-7800 for your free, no-obligation case evaluation.
