Though it is scary whenever you are involved in a car accident that results in injury, you need to remain calm. What you do directly after your accident may affect your reimbursement when you file a claim to your car insurance company.
Here are some things to think about after you have a car accident and are injured.
Book OnlineSeek Medical Help: If you are hurt at all, even only a little bit, you need to see the doctor.
You must always remember that some injuries don’t show up until a few days later. You may experience pain, discomfort, dizziness, and even numbness days after the accident.
It is really important to get medical help if you are going to submit a claim to your insurance company. It will help your case if you went to the doctor’s office following your accident. If you wait a few days or weeks before you go, you may struggle to prove that the injuries were caused by the accident.
Take Detailed Notes and Pictures: It is really important to take good notes, especially if you are going to submit a claim to your insurance company.
Make sure that you have the names and addresses of any doctors, chiropractors, therapists, and other professionals that you visit.
Be sure to keep all of the receipts for your medical care including any medications or anything you need for your health. If you have copayments, be sure to write them down too. You should also write down any travel expenses that you incur as you travel back and forth to your appointments.
You should also keep a diary about your injuries and care, including how much pain you are in every day and how you are inconvenienced by your injuries.
Keep any notes and emails from your doctors, plus write down your own medical notes about your care. If you make any phone calls, make note of them and keep those notes handy.
To make your claim stronger, you need to have the following information:
- Information about the accident. Take pictures and notes about where it happened. It is also really important to have stop signs and traffic lights in the picture, if applicable.
- Photos of your car. Make sure that you take good pictures of your car from every angle. Take close-ups and some from farther away.
- Financial changes. If you are losing work or even the opportunity to work due to your accident, make note of it.
- If possible, get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
- Photos of your injuries. Bruises and injuries will fade so be sure to have a friend take pictures of your injuries.
All of these notes and photos will greatly help you with your case. If you are looking to settle or need to hire a lawyer, all of these will help you to win your case.
Auto Injury and Whiplash Frequently Asked Questions
Should I be evaluated after a minor automobile collision?
Even a collision that seems minor can result in symptoms or injuries that are not immediately obvious. If you develop neck pain, back pain, headaches, stiffness, numbness, tingling, limited movement, or other symptoms after an accident, an evaluation can help determine whether further care or testing is appropriate. Serious or rapidly worsening symptoms should be evaluated urgently.
Can symptoms appear several days after an accident?
Yes. Some people notice pain or stiffness immediately after a collision, while others develop symptoms hours or days later. Neck or back discomfort, headaches, muscle soreness, and changes in movement may become more noticeable after the initial event. Delayed symptoms should not automatically be assumed to be harmless, particularly if they are worsening or affecting normal activities.
What is whiplash?
Whiplash is a term commonly used to describe an injury associated with rapid acceleration and deceleration of the head and neck, often during a motor-vehicle collision. It can affect muscles, ligaments, joints, and other structures of the neck. Symptoms can vary considerably and may include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, reduced movement, or discomfort extending into the shoulders or upper back.
Can a low-speed collision cause neck or back injury?
It is possible to experience an injury even when a collision occurs at a relatively low speed. Vehicle damage alone does not determine whether an occupant has been injured. Factors such as the direction of impact, occupant position, use of restraints, individual health, and other circumstances can influence the forces experienced during a collision. An examination is needed to evaluate an individual’s symptoms and findings.
What records should I bring to my evaluation?
Bring any records you have that are relevant to the collision and your healthcare. These may include emergency-room or urgent-care records, previous X-rays or MRI reports, medication information, and records from other healthcare providers who have evaluated the injury. If applicable, also bring available insurance or claim information. Having relevant records can help provide a more complete picture of what has already been evaluated.
Will you communicate with my attorney or other healthcare providers?
When appropriate and with the necessary patient authorization, healthcare providers involved in an injury case may need to exchange relevant information about evaluation, treatment, or progress. If you are working with an attorney or other healthcare professionals, ask the Anniston Chiropractic team about its current procedures for records requests and professional communication.
Do you document functional limitations and treatment progress?
Clinical documentation can include relevant examination findings, symptoms, functional limitations, treatment provided, and the patient’s response to care. Follow-up evaluations can also be used to document changes over time. The specific documentation appropriate for an individual patient depends on the injury, examination findings, treatment, and clinical circumstances.
When are X-rays or MRI studies appropriate?
Imaging should be based on clinical need. X-rays may be appropriate when an examination or injury history raises concerns that require evaluation of spinal or skeletal structures. MRI may be considered when additional information about discs, nerves, ligaments, or other soft tissues is clinically important. Not every person involved in an automobile collision requires the same imaging.
How long does treatment after an accident take?
There is no standard treatment duration for every automobile injury. Recommendations depend on the type and severity of the injury, examination findings, how long symptoms have been present, overall health, functional limitations, and response to care. Progress should be reassessed during treatment, and no particular recovery time or outcome can be guaranteed.
What if I already went to the emergency room?
You can still be evaluated for ongoing musculoskeletal symptoms after receiving emergency care. Emergency departments appropriately focus on identifying and treating urgent or potentially life-threatening conditions. If you were discharged but continue to experience neck pain, back pain, headaches, stiffness, or other symptoms, further evaluation may be appropriate. Bring your discharge paperwork and any imaging or test results you received.
Can I receive care if I do not have an attorney?
Having an attorney is not inherently required in order to receive healthcare following an automobile accident. However, payment arrangements, insurance claims, and other administrative requirements can vary depending on the circumstances of an injury case. Contact Anniston Chiropractic directly so the team can explain the options and requirements that apply to your situation.
What warning signs require immediate hospital evaluation?
Seek emergency medical attention after an accident for symptoms such as loss of consciousness, confusion, severe or rapidly worsening headache, significant weakness or numbness, difficulty speaking or walking, loss of bladder or bowel control, severe chest or abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, or other serious or rapidly worsening symptoms. A chiropractic office is not a substitute for emergency medical care when potentially serious injuries are suspected.
Do you accept letters of protection?
Letters of protection and other arrangements related to personal-injury cases involve office-specific financial and administrative policies. Because those policies may change and the provided FAQ source does not establish Anniston Chiropractic’s current requirements, please contact the office directly to determine whether a letter of protection can be accepted for your particular case.
How are treatment costs handled in an injury case?
How treatment costs are handled can depend on the circumstances of the collision, available insurance coverage, and any applicable injury-case arrangements. Before beginning a care plan, ask the Anniston Chiropractic team to explain the financial policies that apply to your case, including your responsibilities and any documentation the office may require.