Seeking Medical Treatment After a Traffic Crash

Dec 28, 2019

A car accident is almost always an unsettling experience, and it is common to be unsure of what to do in the aftermath. Sometimes, it is clear that you sustained severe injuries and that you need emergency medical help. On the other hand, many people might feel sore or stiff but will waiver on whether they should call 911 or go to the emergency room for an evaluation. If you suspect you have any possible injuries at all, you should seek medical help, and then you should contact a Northwest Indiana car accident lawyer right away.

The Importance of a Medical Evaluation

If you do not need an ambulance after a crash, never assume that you are fine. Instead, if you feel anything out of the ordinary – such as stiffness, reduced range of motion, or disorientation – you should head to the emergency room or to your physician’s office right away. Often, soreness, stiffness, or mental “fog” are signs of serious injuries that might develop in the hours and days following the accident.

While you might not be aware that you have a concussion or a soft tissue injury right away, a medical professional can conduct standard diagnostic tests to identify such conditions. There are a couple of reasons why timely medical diagnosis is important after a car accident:

It can ensure that you get the necessary treatment recommendations as soon as possible. The sooner you begin treatment, the greater the chance you can prevent complications and recover faster.
Your medical records can serve as evidence that the car accident caused specific injuries, and your diagnosis can show the exact nature of those injuries and the treatment your doctor recommended for you.

These are both highly important reasons to seek medical care right away if you have been in a collision.

Treatment You Might Need

Medical treatment will vary significantly from patient to patient, depending on the nature and severity of your injuries. Some treatments that might be necessary include:

Imaging tests for a thorough diagnosis
Hospitalization
Medication and/or medical equipment
Surgical procedures
Rehabilitative therapy
Physical therapy
Home health care

Whether you are sent home from the ER with instructions for physical therapy or you need to spend a few weeks in the hospital, the medical bills can be costly, and you should discuss your rights to compensation with an experienced accident and injury lawyer. If someone else caused your accident, they should be held liable for your medical bills and other losses. Having the right medical records to demonstrate your injuries can make the process of seeking compensation go much smoother than if you waited to see a doctor.

Contact a Northwest Indiana Car Accident Attorney for a Free Case Evaluation

The law firm of Tanzillo, Stassin & Babcock represents the rights of car accident victims on a regular basis. We advise you to seek the medical evaluation and treatment you need for your injuries and then schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal options. Contact us directly to learn more about how we can help.