Articles, Car Accidents, Personal Injury
How to Choose the Right Car Accident Doctor
After a car accident you may not think you need medical attention especially if there are no visible injuries. A car accident doctor isn’t just for immediate care; they’re important in uncovering hidden injuries that can affect your health and any future claims. Our guide helps you choose the right doctor fast so you’re covered medically and legally.
If you have suffered injuries because of someone else’s negligence, Sharif Gray at Broughton Injury Law can help. We have won millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements. Call Sharif at (804) 915-1611 or contact him online to schedule a free consultation. We will get justice for you.
Quick Facts
- Get medical attention ASAP after a car accident to detect injuries that may not be visible and to document for personal injury claims.
- Car accident injuries require specialized care and patients may need to see multiple medical specialists such as orthopedic surgeons, chiropractors and neurologists to address specific types of injuries.
- Car accident victims should document all injuries and treatments, get a second opinion if needed and consider the long term health implications of their injuries for recovery and legal purposes.
Why You Need to See a Doctor After a Car Accident
Imagine this – you’ve just been in a car wreck and while you’re shaken you don’t see any visible injuries. You might be tempted to skip the ER, but giving in to that temptation could be a big mistake. Even if you don’t see any immediate signs of injury you may not see auto accident related injuries right away. Getting to a doctor after a car accident is crucial as it allows for early detection and treatment of potential injuries.
Additionally, post accident medical care serves two purposes – it protects your health and your personal injury claim. Medical records can prove your claim and help your attorney get you the biggest settlement possible. Delaying medical treatment can affect how insurance companies look at your case.
Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can cause a multitude of injuries from minor cuts and bruises to life changing conditions. One of the common car accident injuries is whiplash, a condition often associated with rear end collisions that affects the neck as a car accident injury. This can affect the:
- bones
- muscles
- tendons
- ligaments
- nerves in the neck
Not all injuries are visible or felt immediately. Some common injuries with delayed symptoms are:
- Strains
- Sprains
- Internal bleeding
- Broken bones
These can affect muscles and internal organs. Fractures and breaks in the vertebrae and damage to the spinal discs are also common and require orthopedic doctors to treat.
Who’s the Right Doctor for Your Injuries
When it comes to car accident injuries, one size doesn’t fit all. Everyone’s body, injury and recovery process is unique so requires specialized care. Different medical professionals from chiropractors to orthopedic doctors play different roles in treating car accident victims.
Let’s take a closer look at the role of each specialist in your recovery journey.
Orthopedic Surgeons
Orthopedic surgeons are the specialists for bone, joint and muscle injuries. They have extensive training and deep understanding of the human musculoskeletal system to diagnose and recommend physical therapy or surgical interventions like setting broken bones.
So why should you see an orthopedic surgeon right after a car accident? Well, delaying medical care can mean more suffering and can even affect how insurance companies look at personal injury cases. Getting medical attention right away prevents injury from getting worse and speeds up recovery.
Chiropractors
Chiropractors are hands on healthcare professionals who focus on musculoskeletal conditions like neck pain, lower back pain and shoulder pain from whiplash. They use non-invasive techniques like spinal manipulation, massage, hot and cold therapy, myofascial release and active release therapy to manage pain and promote healing.
Chiropractic care is especially good for soft tissue injuries, reducing inflammation and scar tissue and restoring range of motion which are all key to the recovery process. Their main goal is to minimize pain and discomfort, with a focus on the neck, back and shoulder areas.
Neurologists
Neurologists are specialists in diagnosing and treating injuries to:
- Brain and spinal cord
- Peripheral nervous system
- Autonomic nervous system
- Muscular system
These include head trauma, whiplash and neck pain which are common auto accident injuries and car accident consequences.
They use diagnostic tests like MRIs and EEGs to evaluate brain activity and pinpoint injuries. Their expertise allows for a more targeted and effective treatment for neurological injuries.
Insurance and Medical Bills
Dealing with the financial burden of medical bills after a car accident can be overwhelming. Fortunately there are several types of insurance that can cover these expenses:
- Personal injury protection (PIP) which covers medical expenses and passengers up to the same amount as the driver
- Med Pay which covers medical expenses no matter who was at fault
- No fault insurance which covers medical expenses no matter who was at fault
Having one or more of these types of insurance with an insurance company can help with the financial burden of medical bills after a car accident.
But healthcare providers billing practices vary by state where the accident occurred. In those situations an attorney can be very helpful especially when PIP funds are depleted. An attorney’s lien can cover the outstanding medical bills and make sure you get the medical care you need without the immediate financial burden.
Physical Therapy in Recovery
After immediate medical care, physical therapy is another critical part of the recovery process after an accident. This type of therapy is key to managing pain, restoring function and preventing disability.
Physical therapy helps with pain management by reducing pain and stiffness, improving range of motion and strengthening muscles. These benefits give you relief from discomfort and reduce your need for pain medication.
There are many case studies that show the effectiveness of physical therapy in post accident recovery including Patti Morrow’s recovery after a near fatal car accident in South Africa.
Documenting Injuries and Treatment for Legal Purposes
Documentation of your injuries and treatment becomes critical when you are in a car accident. A good documentation will show the direct link between the injuries and the accident which is the foundation of a good personal injury case.
How do you document injuries? The process involves:
- Taking photos of the injuries
- Getting witness statements
- Getting the police report
- Getting further evidence like medical records and expert medical statements to get a complete documentation.
An attorney can help with this process.
How to Find a Car Accident Doctor
Finding the right doctor after a car accident can be daunting. One of the first things to look for is board certification in the specialty area related to your injury such as:
- musculoskeletal trauma
- orthopedic surgery
- neurology
- physical medicine and rehabilitation
Just as important is to verify a doctor’s experience and credentials. You can check with your state’s medical board, use DocFinder or the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) Certified Doctor Verification Service. And make sure the doctor accepts auto insurance as payment for medical treatment.
When to Get a Second Opinion
Most of the time a second opinion is sought after a car accident. Make sure to get a comprehensive diagnosis of all injuries including internal ones that may not be immediately apparent. A second opinion allows you to review the initial diagnosis and treatment plan and confirm or revise as needed.
Medical professionals often have different opinions on the diagnosis and treatment of injuries from car accidents. If you are unsure or disagree with your doctor’s initial recommendations get a second opinion.
Long Term Effects of Car Accident Injuries
Car accident injuries can cause long term physical and cognitive issues including:
- Chronic pain
- Limited mobility
- Reduced movement capacity
- Cognitive impairment
- Neurobiological stress and cortisol disruptions from these injuries can even cause chronic pain disorders.
And the mental trauma from severe car accidents can cause emotional and psychological effects including:
- PTSD
- anxiety
- depression
- phobias
- behavioral changes
- sleep disturbances
- post-traumatic stress disorder
Conclusion
Dealing with an accident can be overwhelming but with the right information and resources you can take control of your recovery. From getting immediate medical attention, finding the right specialist, to dealing with insurance claims and documenting your injuries every step counts. Remember your health is your wealth. Prioritize it even if the injuries seem minor. Because when it comes to your well being there’s no room for compromise.
FAQs
Who to see after car accident?
After a car accident see your family doctor first who can refer you to specialists like chiropractors or orthopedic doctors for further care. Your family doctor can assess your condition and guide you to the right medical care.
Why see a neurologist after a car accident?
You should see a neurologist after a car accident because the forces from the impact can strain the skull, brain stem and neck muscles and if not treated can cause permanent damage. You need to address any issues early on to prevent long term effects.
What is chronic pain from a car accident?
Chronic pain from a car accident is long term, localized pain in specific areas of the body such as back, shoulders or neck that can last a lifetime.
Why get medical attention right away after a car accident?
Get medical attention right away after a car accident to diagnose and treat injuries and to validate your injury claim and get the maximum payout. Don’t wait.
“We Get Justice For Injured People, and We Love What We Do”
Sharif Gray works as a trial lawyer at Broughton Injury Law. Sharif has proven that he can and will get results in court, and the insurance companies know that. If you have suffered injuries because of someone else’s negligence, we can help.
Sharif is committed to trying cases well. Because of that, he does not handle hundreds of cases at a time. He is selective in the cases he takes so he can get justice for the people he represents. In every case, he has three goals:
- Hold the responsible corporation or individual fully accountable.
- Make the community safer, so others are not also harmed.
- Compensation that recognizes the full and fair value of what was taken from your health and quality of life.
Sharif loves what he does, and he is proud of the positive impact he has had and will continue to have on the people he represents and the community he lives in.
If Sharif can be of help to you, please do not hesitate to call him at (804) 915-1611 or contact him online to schedule a free consultation. We will get justice for you.
