If you have never been in a car accident before, then you might be surprised to learn that some of what you’ve heard is actually a myth. Millions of people receive medical attention for car accident injuries every year, and yet there are still so many myths and misconceptions about car accidents out there. Whether you were rear-ended by another driver or got into a multiple-car accident on the highway, you always want to get checked out by a car accident doctor to make sure you don’t have any injuries. Visit your Atlanta chiropractor for comprehensive care after a car accident to make sure you are getting the treatment you need.
Here are the top 5 car accident myths and the truth about what to expect instead:
Myth #1: Car accident injuries aren’t common if you wear your seat belt
Seat belts are a safety feature that have saved many lives over the years. They were designed to prevent people from being ejected from the vehicle during a car accident. However, seat belts can’t always protect you from getting injured in a car accident. When you wear a seat belt, you are less likely to suffer serious injuries because your body is held in place from shoulder to hip. However, extremities like your arms and legs can get jostled around and you may experience an injury. Your head and neck can experience a car accident injury like whiplash because the seat belt does not provide protection for those areas. But the seat belt is still the best way to keep yourself and others safe from severe injuries in the event of a car accident.
Myth #2: A minor fender-bender won’t cause a car accident injury
Many people get into minor car accidents like a fender-bender and assume that they can’t possibly be injured. In fact, minor fender-benders can actually cause one of the most common car accident injuries: whiplash. The force of impact from another vehicle hitting yours can cause your head and neck to snap forward and backward violently, which can strain the muscles and tendons in your neck. A general rule of thumb for car accidents is that if there is any damage to your vehicle, then your body has likely experienced some type of injury as well.
Myth #3: You don’t need to see a doctor unless you are in pain
An unfortunate response to a minor car accident is that people tend to skip getting checked out by a doctor if they don’t have any pain. Actually, car accident injuries are often referred to as hidden injuries because of internal injuries like soft tissue damage. Sometimes it can take hours or even days for you to experience symptoms like pain and discomfort after a car accident. The stress and trauma of a car accident can get your adrenaline pumping. Adrenaline and shock can actually mask pain and other symptoms of a car accident injury.
Myth #4: Pain after a car accident will go away on its own
If you try to wait for the pain to go away on its own after a car accident, then you risk an injury going untreated. An untreated car accident injury can lead to chronic pain and other complications that can negatively impact your quality of life. Don’t wait for pain after a car accident to go away on its own. Instead, visit a car accident doctor and talk to them about the pain you are experiencing. Pay attention to when you first notice the pain and if it gets worse with certain movements. This can help your doctor determine what is causing your pain and help inform an accurate diagnosis so you can get the treatment you need.
Myth #5: Any doctor can help with car accident injuries
All doctors are trained to help people and have the best intentions. When dealing with car accident injuries, you want to see a doctor who specializes in these types of injuries. Car accident doctors work with these injuries every day and have the knowledge and skill to provide accurate diagnoses and thorough treatment plans. Even if you go to the emergency room or urgent care after a car accident, you will still need to follow up with a car accident doctor for continued treatment and care.
Visit your Atlanta chiropractor at AICA Orthopedics near you to learn more about how our team of car accident doctors can help you recover after a car accident.