You’re traveling down I-40 when another driver rear-ends your car. The impact jolts you forward, hitting your head on the steering wheel. You’re disoriented and in pain, but you don’t think you’ve been seriously injured. So, should you go to the doctor?
A car accident is not just an unexpected event but also a jarring and disorienting one. You may be eager to get home or back to work and put the accident behind you, but it is crucial that you see a doctor as soon as possible after a car accident.
At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, we have assisted car accident victims in Hickory, NC, for over 17 years. We know the ins and outs of the legal process and can help you get a fair settlement. Contact a Hickory car accident lawyer today for a free consultation and to get started on your car accident case.
Common Types of Car Accident Injuries in Hickory, North Carolina
Whiplash
Whiplash is a common neck injury that occurs after a car accident. It is caused by the sudden jerking of the head, which can damage the neck’s muscles, ligaments, and discs. Symptoms of whiplash include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.
Whiplash can often be treated with ice, rest, and over-the-counter pain medication. However, whiplash can lead to back pain, numbness, and tingling in the arms if the symptoms are severe.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are another common type of injury that can occur after a car wreck. They can happen when the body is hit with a lot of force, such as during a high-speed collision. Symptoms of a broken bone include pain, swelling, and bruising.
If you think you may have broken a bone, it is important to see a doctor immediately. Broken bones usually need to be set and may even require surgery.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries occur when the force of the collision causes organs to rupture or bleed. Symptoms of internal injuries include abdominal pain, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are another type of injury that can occur after a car accident. They happen when the head is hit with a lot of force, which can cause the brain to swell or bleed. Symptoms of a TBI include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. TBIs can be life-threatening and need to be treated immediately.
Other injuries such as bruises, cuts, strains, and sprains can also occur after a car accident. While these injuries are often not as serious as the injuries listed above, they still require treatment.
You deserve to recover compensation for your injuries and any medical expenses you have incurred due to the car accident. Going to the doctor ensures that your injuries will be well documented and can help you get the compensation you deserve.
When Should I Seek Medical Treatment?
If you have been in a car accident, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible. This is especially true if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above. If your injuries are not severe and don’t require immediate treatment at the scene, going to the doctor as soon as the accident happens is still a good idea.
This is because some injuries, such as whiplash, can take days or weeks to develop symptoms. By seeking medical treatment right away, you will ensure that you get the medical attention you need to prevent further injury. Additionally, the longer you wait to seek medical treatment, the more difficult it may be to prove that your injuries were a result of the collision.
What Type of Doctors Should I See?
Every car accident is different, so the type of doctor you see will depend on your injuries. However, a few types of doctors are often seen after car accidents. These include:
Emergency Room Doctors
Emergency room doctors are often the first type of doctor you will see after a car accident. They can treat serious injuries, such as broken bones and internal bleeding.
Primary Care or Urgent Care Doctors
Primary or urgent care doctors can treat less serious injuries like bruises and cuts. They can also refer you to specialists if necessary.
Specialists
Specialists are doctors who have specific training in treating certain types of injuries. For example, a neurologist may treat a traumatic brain injury, while an orthopedist may treat a broken bone. Often, you will need to see a primary care, urgent care, or emergency room doctor before being referred to a specialist.
Car accidents can be stressful and overwhelming. However, seeking medical treatment is an important step in recovery.
What Should I Bring to My Appointment?
When you go to the doctor after a car accident, there are a few things you should bring with you. These include:
- Your health insurance information
- The police report from the accident
- Any pictures you took of the accident scene or your injuries
- A list of symptoms you have been experiencing since the accident
By bringing these items to your appointment, you will ensure that the doctor has all the information they need to treat your injuries properly and establish the etiology (cause) of your injuries.
What Are My Options for Paying for Medical Treatment?
After a car accident, you may be wondering how you will pay for your medical treatment. Here are a few of your options:
Your Auto Insurance’s Medical Payments Coverage
If you didn’t cause the accident, you might not want to file a car accident claim with your own insurance policy to pay for your medical bills. However, some coverage is specifically made for these special circumstances. North Carolina may require drivers to carry bodily injury liability, property damage liability, and uninsured motorist coverage. However, you may also consider getting additional coverage, such as Medical Payments coverage, often referred to as Med Pay.
Med Pay is a type of insurance that can help pay for you and your passenger’s medical bills after an accident, regardless of who caused the accident. This coverage can be used to pay for ambulance rides, hospital stays, surgery, and physical therapy.
Med Pay is not required in North Carolina, and the amount you can purchase varies widely. At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, we can work with your medical providers and assist you with making a Med Pay claim if you have Med Pay coverage. While Med Pay may not cover everything, it can help ease the financial burden after an accident.
Health Insurance
You should also be able to use your health insurance to help pay for your medical bills. However, you should check with your insurance company to see what is covered before seeking treatment. Often, health insurance will only cover a portion of the cost, and you may be responsible for the rest.
Paying Out of Pocket
If you don’t have Med Pay or health insurance, you may be responsible for paying your medical bills out of pocket. This can be a significant financial burden, so it’s important to consider all your options before deciding how to pay for your treatment. This is because while the other driver may be at fault, those bills are still in your name. Most auto insurance companies don’t pay as you go, but rather reimburse you in a lump sum once you’ve settled.
At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, we understand the challenges you may be facing after a car accident. We can help you navigate the process of seeking medical treatment and ensure you get the care you need. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your personal injury claim and help you understand your options.
Contact a North Carolina Car Accident Attorney in Hickory, NC
If you have been in a car accident, you should first assess your injuries. Many people choose not to see a doctor after an accident because they don’t think they are injured. However, this can be a dangerous decision.
If you have been in a car accident, it is also important to contact an experienced car accident attorney. The lawyers at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor can help you understand your legal rights and options. We represent clients who have been injured in car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents. Our team of experienced lawyers will fight for you to get fair compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation.
