Sometimes a car accident is serious and victims are rushed to the hospital. Other times, the accident may be minor, with victims feeling they are “fine.”
No matter which type of car accident you may be in, it’s always important to seek medical attention. We explain why in this article and give you tips on what to do if your symptoms show up later—such as a few days after the accident—or after you’re discharged from the hospital.
Our Virginia Beach car accident attorneys can not only help you navigate your claim against the at-fault parties involved, but we can also help you secure the resources you need for your recovery.
Medical Care to Seek at the Scene of a Car Accident
Even if you think you weren’t hurt, make an appointment with your doctor for a check-up. After an accident, your adrenaline is pumping through your body, and it can hide symptoms. Some injuries from accidents may also be delayed, leaving you feeling the pain days later.
Call Emergency Services Immediately
If you can, call 911 to report the accident. Emergency medical responders (EMTs) are trained to assess and stabilize accident victims on-site. They’ll check for serious injuries like fractures, head trauma, and internal bleeding, which may go undetected without qualified help.
When the EMTs are there, don’t hesitate to mention any dizziness, pain, or discomfort, even if it seems minor. These may be signs of other injuries like concussions, whiplash, and internal injuries.
Consent to Hospital Transport if Recommended
If the EMT recommends you be transported to a hospital, it’s usually best to accept. They base this recommendation on your medical safety. Plus, that will go on record, which can help if you pursue a personal injury claim later.
Medical Care to Seek After Hospital Discharge
After you’ve been discharged from the hospital, that doesn’t necessarily mean your recovery is complete. Follow-up care is often necessary, particularly if you have injuries to the spine, muscles, or brain.
Schedule Follow-Up Appointments
After leaving the hospital, schedule a follow-up appointment with your primary care physician as soon as possible. They will help check for delayed-onset injuries and can provide referrals for other specialists if you need further treatment.
Pursue Specialized Care if Recommended
Some injuries are best treated with the help of a specialist.
- Chiropractors: These specialists can help with spinal alignment and pain relief related to whiplash and other musculoskeletal injuries.
- Physical Therapists: These specialists can help you regain strength, mobility, and pain relief after joint, muscle, and spinal injuries.
- Neurologists: If you suffer a brain injury, these specialists help monitor your brain function to make sure that you recover fully.
Consider Mental Health Support
Accidents can be emotionally traumatic, leading to anxiety, depression, and sometimes, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you notice a decline in your mental health, seek the support of therapy or counseling.
What If I’m Still Experiencing Symptoms?
Even after your initial treatment and follow-up care, you may still be suffering some lingering symptoms from the accident. These may include headaches, chronic pain, fatigue, or numbness.
Return to Your Primary Care Physician
Check with your primary care doctor first. He or she can evaluate where you are and may order additional tests if needed, or adjust your treatment plan.
Explore Pain Management Options
If you’re struggling with chronic pain, check with your doctor about potentially seeing a pain specialist. They can offer treatments like physical therapy, injections, or other non-invasive pain relief options.
Look Into Long-Term Rehabilitation
Some accident injuries require extended rehabilitation before full recovery. Check with your medical team to determine if you need long-term physical therapy, occupational therapy, or chiropractic adjustments to help restore you to wholeness.
Document Your Symptoms and Treatments
It’s important to keep track of any ongoing symptoms, treatments, and medical appointments. This evidence can be important when seeking compensation for your damages.
How Can a Car Accident Attorney Help?
A car accident attorney can help ensure you receive the insurance coverage you need to pay for your medical expenses, from initial emergency care to long-term rehabilitation. We will negotiate with the insurance providers involved, and help you pursue compensation for all your losses, including lost wages and lost future wages as well as pain and suffering. If you are unable to return to work, we can help make sure you are compensated for that as well.
Contact our firm today for a free initial consultation. We can help make sure your settlement covers all your needed medical care, as we did for this military servicewoman who suffered neck and back injuries in a car crash. We helped her recover $100,000 in a full-policy coverage insurance settlement.
Find our offices in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Hampton, and Norfolk.