If you’ve been injured in a Kentucky car accident, the first place you’ll likely go is to your nearest emergency room. This is exactly where you should be. E.R. doctors will be able to tell you if there are any internal injuries that need to be treated immediately as well as set you up with medications, casts, splints, x-rays, or other tests that may be needed. If you require hospital time, you’ll be admitted at this point.
After you’re released from the E.R. and/or hospital, however, it can be difficult to know where to turn. If your E.R. doctor suggests following up with your primary care doctor, that may be the best course of action, but not necessarily. Depending on the severity of your injuries as well as if you are in a lot of pain and/or experiencing any mobility limitations, you may be better off seeking the help of a specialist.
How do you know if you should see a specialist? Here are two essential questions you should ask yourself before making a decision regarding what type of doctor to see next:
How well can your primary doctor treat your condition?
Your primary doctor will be able to assess your injuries, but they may not able to help treat them. They won’t know everything about the symptoms you’re experiencing and won’t be well-equipped to handle things like neck pain, back pain, excessive mobility limitations, and whiplash. If you see your primary care doctor for conditions like these, they may refer you to a pain specialist, an orthopedic doctor, or even a chiropractor.
You may be tempted to write off seeing a specialist due to the cost factor, but if your primary doctor isn’t equipped to handle your injuries or condition, your health should absolutely come first. You should also remember that it may be possible to reduce the costs of your medical care after any insurance settlements come through. Additionally, if you’re considering taking legal action regarding the accident, cost may be a non-issue if your case is successful.
Are you doing everything you can to get the best treatment possible?
Injuries from car accidents can often appear in a delayed manner. Minor symptoms like back pain, neck pain, or headaches can turn into serious neck or back conditions that can lead to lifelong implications and chronic pain. If you don’t get the medical care you need right away, you could potentially set yourself up for years of pain, discomfort, and mobility impairment.
Additionally, if you’re in the process of negotiating your Kentucky insurance settlement and/or personal injury lawsuit, you will need to prove that your injuries are as severe as you’re claiming and that you’re doing everything you can to treat your injuries as quickly as possible. If you fail to do either, your lawsuit or settlement may not succeed.
You owe it to your future self to stay healthy today. You owe it to your loved ones to take care of yourself. After you’re discharged from the E.R. after a car crash, do yourself a favor and follow up with any specialists or doctors that are recommended to you by either your primary or emergency room doctor. Your future self will thank you.
If, at any time during the recovery process, you have any questions regarding legal matters pertaining to car accident injuries, feel free to contact a Lexington, KY car accident lawyer who cares. Todd W. Burris is happy to answer questions you may have or set up a free consultation to see if you’re eligible to file a legal claim against the other driver. Doing so may help you recover the costs of your medical care, enabling you to fully recover and get back on your feet again.
