After suffering a harmful car accident, you should pursue treatment for your injuries as soon as you can. Many injuries require prompt medical attention to heal correctly. Furthermore, your injuries must be officially documented in order to recover monetary damages from another party.
If your car accident injuries necessitate immediate care, then you should go to the hospital right away. After receiving initial treatment, you should then follow up with your primary care doctor for ongoing support. On the other hand, if your injuries do not necessitate emergency treatment, then you may first visit your primary care doctor. They can assess your injuries, provide appropriate medical advice, and refer you to specialists if needed.
In the aftermath of your car crash, seek support from our experienced Philadelphia car accident attorneys at The Reiff Law Firm by dialing (215) 709-6940.
Where Should You Seek Medical Treatment After Suffering a Car Accident?
After suffering a car accident, it is crucial that you seek medical treatment as soon as possible. The location where you should seek treatment is generally determined by the severity of your injuries.
If you suffered serious injuries that required immediate medical attention, then it is very important to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest hospital emergency room. On the other hand, if your injuries are not life-threatening and do not require immediate emergency care, then you should schedule an appointment with your primary doctor as soon as possible. Your primary doctor can review your injuries, provide treatment, and offer guidance on managing your recovery.
Fortunately, our car accident attorneys can offer thorough guidance in the aftermath of your crash. Our team will help navigate the complex road to recovery. Furthermore, we can determine if you may pursue monetary damages from the party who caused your collision.
Examples of Car Accident Injuries that Require Emergency Care
Car accidents can result in very severe injuries. If you sustained any of the following as the result of your collision, then you may need to seek emergency care at the nearest hospital:
Head Injuries
Head injuries often require emergency care. These injuries can range from minor concussions to more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Head injuries typically happen when the head forcefully collides with a hard surface, such as the steering wheel or dashboard, or when objects inside the car impact the head during the collision. Symptoms may include loss of consciousness, dizziness, confusion, nausea, or severe headaches.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Another type of injury that warrants immediate hospital care is spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries can result from the violent impact during a car crash, causing damage to the spinal cord. These injuries may lead to partial or complete loss of motor function and sensation below the site of the injury. Depending on the location and severity of the spinal cord injury, it can result in paraplegia or quadriplegia, which can be life-altering for the affected individual.
Abdominal Injuries
Abdominal injuries can occur when the abdomen experiences blunt force trauma during a car accident. The seatbelt or steering wheel impact can lead to internal organ injuries such as liver lacerations, spleen ruptures, or damage to the intestines. These injuries may cause severe internal bleeding, which can be life-threatening and necessitates urgent hospital care.
Fractures and Broken Bones
Fractures and broken bones are frequently seen in car crash injuries. The sheer impact of the collision can cause bones to break or shatter. Commonly fractured bones include arms, legs, wrists, and ribs. Compound fractures, where the broken bone pierces through the skin, can be particularly dangerous because of the risk of infection.
Examples of Car Accident Injuries that Do Not Require Emergency Care
On the other hand, there are a wide range of car accident injuries that may not require emergency care. Still, failure to seek prompt treatment for these injuries can cause serious medical issues and may complicate the settlement process for victims. Accordingly, if you suffered any of the following, you may need to visit your primary care doctor as soon as you can:
Whiplash
While it can cause significant discomfort, whiplash is generally not life-threatening. Symptoms of whiplash may appear gradually after an accident. Still, if left untreated, these symptoms may continue to worsen and become severely debilitating for injured parties.
Bruises and Contusions
Minor bruises and contusions are another type of car accident injury that may not require immediate emergency treatment but should prompt a visit to your primary care doctor. During a car crash, the body can impact the interior of the vehicle, resulting in bruises on various parts of the body. While minor bruises may not be fatal, they can cause pain, swelling, and discoloration of the skin.
A primary care doctor can assess the extent of the bruising, check for any signs of more severe internal injuries, and provide recommendations for pain management and healing. They can also offer advice on home care, such as applying ice and elevating the affected area, to facilitate recovery.
Sprains and Strains
Sprains and strains are also a type of car accident injury that may not necessitate emergency care but should be evaluated by a primary care doctor. The sudden force of impact can strain muscles, tendons, or ligaments, causing pain and reduced mobility. A doctor can recommend appropriate rest, physical therapy, or further evaluation by a specialist if needed.
Injuries like minor back pain or minor chest pain may also fall into this category. These injuries may be indicative of muscle strains or bruising, but they should still be evaluated by a primary care doctor to rule out any underlying issues and receive appropriate care.
Minor Lacerations and Cuts
Lastly, minor lacerations and cuts are a type of car accident injury that may not require hospital treatment. During a collision, broken glass or sharp objects inside of a vehicle can cause cuts or abrasions a victim’s skin. These injuries can lead to infection if not properly cleaned and treated.
A primary care doctor can assess the extent of the lacerations, clean and dress the wounds appropriately, and ensure that there is no risk of infection. They can also provide recommendations for wound care at home and monitor the healing process.
Call Our Car Accident Attorneys Today for Help with Your Potential Case
After suffering a car crash, get help from our West Chester car accident lawyers by calling The Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940.
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