What Type of Doctor Should I See After a Car Accident?

It is important to get treated quickly after a car accident in order to avoid any potential complications that could arise from leaving your injuries untreated. It is important to remember that the body’s natural adrenaline response can mask any pain or discomfort you may be feeling at the moment. Once this wears off, pain and tension in affected areas become more pronounced, and hidden injuries may become visible. 

After a car accident, it can be difficult to determine which type of doctor to visit immediately. If you are unsure of which medical expert to see, our Chicago personal injury attorney can provide advice on which doctor would be most suitable for your situation. Receiving prompt medical attention is necessary to provide legal documentation and detailed records of any injuries, should legal action be pursued.

If you are an accident injury victim, contact Ktenas Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation with a car accident lawyer who can advise you on the best medical care options.

What Type of Treatment Should You Get Right After a Car Accident?

Following a car accident, it is critical to seek treatment right away. This will allow medical professionals to assess your injuries, give you a proper diagnosis, and provide the necessary treatment.

Depending on the severity and type of injuries you have, you may need to visit an emergency room, an urgent care doctor, a medical specialist, or a personal injury doctor for diagnosis and treatment. It is essential that you receive proper treatment for the injuries sustained in your auto accident to ensure that you'll be on the road to recovery as fast as possible.

Emergency Room Doctor

The emergency room is an important resource when it comes to medical emergencies. Emergencies often require immediate medical attention, so it's important to get to an ER immediately if you have severe injuries or life-threatening injuries.

Even if you don't think your injuries warrant going to the emergency room, if your condition deteriorates after the accident, or if you experience pain symptoms of the injury minutes or hours afterward, make sure to go see an ER doctor right away. It's important that healthcare professionals make sure you don't have any serious internal injuries.

In addition, having access to an ER doctor late at night is essential for those whose accidents happen outside of regular clinic office hours. If you don't have access to other available healthcare options besides the ER during these times, then it's best to head there right away and get assessed by a qualified doctor on staff.

Emergency care doctors will do their best to provide the necessary treatment without making you wait in agony until the morning. Remember: never put off seeking medical help no matter what time you find yourself in need of assistance.

Urgent Care or Primary Care Doctor

Depending on the type of care and how quickly you need to be treated, you may want to consider visiting either an urgent care center or primary care provider. An urgent care clinic usually has longer hours of operation than your regular doctor’s office and is better suited for common injuries or illnesses.

If your injuries can wait long enough, it would be more beneficial to call your primary care physician and make an appointment rather than going straight to the nearest hospital. It is advisable to alert them at the time of scheduling that you recently experienced a car accident so they can plan accordingly.

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When you visit the doctor, it is important to provide detailed information about how your body is feeling afterward and what areas are worse than others via physical examination. Be sure to talk about any ailments such as pain or numbness that came on suddenly and how it affects daily activities such as sleeping or exercising.

Your doctor may ask for documentation from an X-ray of broken bones, blood test, MRI scan, or other diagnostic tests. They may even recommend continued care with a medical specialist based on the type of injury you have suffered.

Medical Specialist

Seeing a medical specialist can provide invaluable insight and expertise for advanced and specific illnesses. Primary doctors rely on specialist doctors to assess the most effective treatments needed to manage or resolve a health issue so that you can be treated in the quickest and most accurate way.

When you are referred to a specialist by your doctor, it means they need additional advice, treatment, or testing which they cannot provide. It is always important to follow all instructions from your doctor and if they recommend seeing a specialist promptly, then you should definitely arrange an appointment as soon as possible in order to facilitate the best care plan.

When seeing a specialist, there could potentially be more rapid diagnoses of medical issues and treatments due to their advanced knowledge. This could lead to faster recoveries and better overall well-being for those requiring more intense medical attention.

Personal Injury Doctor 

In addition to emergency response physicians, personal injury specialists also provide specialized care for car accident victims. Personal injury specialists, or accident doctors, are specifically trained to address the unique needs of automobile crash victims.

Accident injury doctors will evaluate the types of automobile accident injuries incurred and develop an appropriate course of action that addresses a wide range of immediate and long-term issues associated with the crash. This includes prescribing medication, recommending physical therapy or occupational therapy, administering injections, ordering imaging or diagnostic tests when necessary, and making referrals for other services if needed.

Do You Always Have to See a Doctor After a Car Accident?

When it comes to the topic of whether you should always see a doctor after a car accident, the answer is a resounding ‘yes’. Even if you feel perfectly fine at the time of the accident and appear to be unharmed, it is still best to visit a competent physician as soon as possible.

This is due to many car accident injuries not being visible or apparent until days or even weeks after an incident occurs. Examples of such hidden ailments include head and neck injuries like whiplash, concussion, brain blood clots, and other soft-tissue damage occurring on the back muscles, nerves, and ligaments.

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By getting early medical care and following your doctor's orders faithfully, you can help avoid any further complications arising from your condition while also providing legal protection for yourself in case of impending litigation.

When Should You Contact an Attorney? 

When you have been involved in an accident, it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible. This will help ensure that you do not miss the statute of limitations, which would prevent you from filing a personal injury claim.

An experienced lawyer can guide you through the process of obtaining all the necessary evidence to prove the extent of your injuries, such as medical records and receipts. Additionally, they can help identify any potential parties that may be held liable for negligent or reckless behavior and work with them to seek appropriate financial compensation for your pain and suffering.

Call Ktenas Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation about your specific case. One of our experienced car accident lawyers will help you understand the law regarding your specific case and can help you get compensation for your injuries.