ESPANOL
Seeing the right type of doctor after an accident is important.
After an accident, it can be tricky to understand what type of doctor you should see after a car accident. Everyone involved needs to assess their health and be examined by a medical professional. You should contact emergency services, and everyone should be taken care of. A doctor will see you in the case of an injury noted by emergency services.
Minor accidents do not often have serious injuries or casualties. The usual outcomes are whiplash, a broken taillight, confusion, and maybe a scratch or bump on the car. Many people try to shake it off since they see no obvious injuries. However, you should see a primary care doctor after a minor car accident. Do not wait long either, as your health might be at risk.
Why Should I See a Primary Care Doctor?
A primary care doctor will ensure that you have suffered no major injuries. They will also treat any minor injuries like scrapes or bruising. We encourage you to visit a doctor after an accident. They will care for severe injuries, including those the untrained eye can miss. For example, concussions can be serious but sometimes unidentifiable without medical expertise.
Doctors will also prescribe any pain medication needed and give you instructions to recover. They can refer you to a counselor or psychologist to help you process your accident, no matter how severe.
How Do I Contact a Doctor?
After serious or fatal car accidents, emergency services are usually alerted by other road users or police officers. After a minor accident, victims have to find their way to contact medical personnel. The easiest way to reach a doctor is to call their office and book an appointment (if your injuries are not severe).
If you did sustain severe injuries, call 9-1-1 and have an ambulance transport you. You should especially do this if you suffered head trauma. Symptoms of head injuries include:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Cranial bleeding
- Deep cranial cuts
- Lethargic feelings
If you have any of these symptoms, do not drive yourself. Wait for emergency services or another person to assist you. If you don’t suspect a head injury and there is no apparent bleeding, you can take a taxi or drive to the nearest medical facility. Head to urgent care and inform the receptionist that you have just been involved in a car accident and you would like to receive a medical evaluation from a doctor.
Is Every Doctor’s Help Equally as Relevant After an Accident?
You might not require the services of a urologist or podiatrist after an accident that results in a brain injury. It is critical that you see a medical professional who specializes in your type of injury. That’s why the kind of doctor you see is important.
Emergency Room Physicians
An emergency room doctor will inspect your injuries, minimize damage, like bleeding, and refer you to other specialists if your wounds are substantial. They treat injuries like minor burns, lacerations, sprains, and dislocations.
Urgent Care Doctor
If you are involved in a minor accident, you can check in to urgent care. A doctor will check you for bumps, bruising, or pain and ensure you have no major injuries or brain injuries. Then they will release you but ask you to check in with your primary care physician if you sense anything is wrong.
If your injuries are severe or you need a second opinion, your primary care doctor will refer you to a specialist.
Trauma Surgeon
A trauma surgeon is called if you suffer deep wounds or cuts or have any debris stuck in your body. They will stitch you up and ensure your body recovers to the best of its ability.
Orthopedic Surgeon
Orthopedic surgeons are contacted to fix broken bones, spinal injuries, and snapped tendons. They work closely with orthopedic doctors and make sure you heal properly after a major accident.
Neurologist or Neurosurgeon
In the event of severe and critical traumatic brain injury, neurologists and neurosurgeons are called in. The injuries they attend to include deep head wounds, a swollen brain, or seizures. They specialize in the nervous system, and their work is to ensure your brain and nervous system work properly after the accident.
Burn Specialist
A burn specialist will aid you if you suffer from burned skin or tissue to confirm no lasting damage is inflicted.
Plastic Surgeon
Plastic surgeons help reconstruct someone after major accidents where features may be disfigured.
Radiologist
Radiologists read X-rays, CAT scans, MRIs, and other imaging equipment that will help assess your injuries. Their work is to interpret the extent of internal damage and the next course of action.
How Can an Attorney Help Me Following a Accident That Causes Paralysis?
The personal injury lawyers at Sink Law are committed to securing justice for victims and their families. If you or a loved one has suffered paralysis as a result of an accident that wasn’t your fault, call today to get started.
George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers has experience dealing with car accident claims. We will help you pursue the compensation you need.