If you were in a car accident that led to any type of damage to your car then there your body likely experienced some type of injury as well. Even a small fender bender can cause an injury like whiplash that can leave you in chronic pain and discomfort if left untreated. That is why it is so important to seek out medical treatment after any type of accident right away. What might seem like a normal headache after a car accident can actually be a symptom of something more serious going on. But how do you know which doctor to see? Here are four things to consider when looking for a doctor after a car accident.
Seek Medical Treatment Right Away
Not all car accidents require medical attention at the scene, but if paramedics do arrive then be sure to allow them to do a full examination and listen closely to their instructions. Often after a car accident, shock and adrenaline can keep you from thinking clearly and recognizing symptoms of an injury. Paramedics are trained to identify car accident injuries and recommend appropriate follow-up care, whether that is going to the emergency room or not. However, even if you aren’t experiencing anything other than a headache after a car accident, it is still important to talk with a doctor to make sure it isn’t something more serious.
When your adrenaline is pumping after an accident, this can actually mask physical symptoms of an injury because your mind has gone on auto-pilot. Once you take a moment after the accident to breathe and regroup, you may then start to notice more pain and discomfort. It is not uncommon to experience what are referred to as hidden injuries after a car accident because of adrenaline, swelling, and other factors. It is also important to begin prompt treatment for a car accident injury because injuries that are left untreated can often cause additional complications down the road. Once you start to notice pain set in, you will have a better idea of where an injury may have occurred and can seek out a doctor who can help. Even something as small as a headache after a car accident shouldn’t be ignored, as it can be indicative of other issues or hidden injuries that need to be attended to.
Look for a Doctor Who Specializes in Your Injury
When you’ve been injured in a car accident, there are actually doctors who specialize in these types of injuries. You want to find a specialist who can give the care and attention to your injury that is needed in order for you to make a full recovery. In order to find car accident doctors you can trust, you want to find a team of car accident doctors who will offer extensive information on the types of injuries they regularly treat and even those who may offer free consultations so you can ensure they will be the best fit for you.
While you may be tempted to see your primary care doctor after a car accident, is important to note that they do not specialize in the types of injuries associated with car accidents. However, if you have a primary care doctor who you trust, then they may be able to recommend or refer you to car accident doctors who with a great reputation and specialization. You may also know someone who has been in a car accident and may recommend their doctor based on a positive experience.
Continue Your Treatment through Recovery
It is so important to follow through with treatment for the sake of your own recovery and also for insurance purposes, even if your injury is minimal or your only complaint is a headache after a car accident. When you seek treatment for a car accident injury and use insurance, this will require special medical documentation and doctors who specialize in car accident injuries are often very familiar with what is needed. In order to take some of the stress off of the insurance and claims process, choose doctors who have significant experience in car accident injuries.
When looking for a doctor after a car accident, avoid those who advertise a one-size-fits-all approach to treating car accident injuries and instead look for those who provide comprehensive, individualized care to all their patients. An individualized treatment plan will offer the best potential for a full recovery because it is designed with you and your specific injury in mind. This includes working with a multi-specialty team of doctors like orthopedists, neurologists, chiropractors, and physical therapists to approach treating your injury from all possible angles for the most successful results. Contact us to know more.