Should I Go to The Doctor in Kansas City After a Car Wreck Accident?

Car accidents in Kansas City can be traumatic experiences that leave you feeling disoriented and scared. Often, people think that they are okay and do not require medical attention after a car crash. However, seeking prompt medical attention is crucial, especially if you have been in a car wreck in Kansas City.

A Kansas City car accident attorney from Wendt Law can help you understand your legal rights following a car accident. Call us at 816-542-6734 to schedule a free consultation with a skilled personal injury attorney from our law firm.

Understanding the Importance of Seeking Medical Attention

Seeking medical care immediately after a car accident is crucial. Your health and well being should be a top priority, and even if you think that you are unharmed, injuries can often go unnoticed at first. Moreover, if you do not seek medical care immediately, your injuries could worsen, potentially resulting in long-term health complications.

Immediate Health Concerns

Some injuries sustained during a serious collision or car crash, such as spinal cord injuries, internal bleeding, and head injuries, can be immediately life-threatening. Without prompt medical attention, these injuries could result in serious or permanent damage, or even death.

For example, internal bleeding is not always immediately apparent to accident victims, but it can be fatal if left untreated. The symptoms of internal bleeding can take hours or even days to appear, and by the time they do, it may be too late to save the victim’s life. This is why it is so important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a car accident, even if you feel fine.

Long-term Health Implications

Even if you do not experience immediate symptoms or injuries that require any emergency room care, long-term health implications can result from an untreated car crash injury. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not present immediate symptoms but can lead to long-term pain if left untreated.

Whiplash is a common injury sustained during car accidents, and it occurs when the head is violently jerked back and forth. Symptoms of whiplash can take days or even weeks to appear, but if left untreated, they can lead to chronic pain and discomfort. Seeking medical attention promptly after a car accident can help to prevent long-term health consequences and complications.

Other injuries, such as head injuries, can develop into more significant issues over time. Even a minor concussion can lead to long-term cognitive problems if left untreated. Seeking medical attention promptly after a car wreck can help to prevent these issues from developing.

Common Injuries from Car Wreck Accidents

Car accidents can be a traumatic experience, and they can cause a variety of injuries, ranging from minor scrapes and bruises to life-threatening injuries. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident, even if you feel fine, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Some of the most common injuries that can occur during a car accident include:

Whiplash and Neck Injuries

Whiplash is a common injury sustained during a car accident. It occurs when the head and neck rapidly move back and forth, causing muscle or ligament damage.

Back and Spinal Cord Injuries

Back and spinal cord injuries can occur during a car wreck. They can range from mild, such as a sprain or strain, to more severe injuries like herniated discs or paralysis.

Head Injuries and Concussions

Head injuries, such as concussions, may occur during a car crash. In severe cases, head injuries can lead to long-term health complications or even permanent brain damage.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Broken bones and fractures are common during car accidents, and can range from minor to severe. If you suspect you have a broken bone or fracture, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

Assessing Your Symptoms

If you have been in a car wreck, it is essential to assess your symptoms to determine if you require medical attention. Even if you feel fine, it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional, as some injuries may not present immediate symptoms, but can result in long-term health complications if left untreated.

When to Seek Emergency Care

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately:

Difficulty breathing: This can be a sign of a collapsed lung or other serious injury.
Severe bleeding: Apply pressure to the affected area and seek medical attention immediately.
Chest pain or pressure: This could be a sign of a heart attack or other serious cardiac event.
Loss of consciousness: This could be a sign of a concussion or other head injury.
Severe head trauma: This could be a sign of a traumatic brain injury, which requires immediate medical attention.

It’s important to note that even if you don’t experience any of these symptoms, you should still seek medical attention if you feel like something is wrong.

Signs You Should Visit a Doctor

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should visit a doctor as soon as possible:

Persistent headaches: This could be a sign of a concussion or other head injury.
Pain that does not go away or worsens over time: This could be a sign of a more serious injury.
Difficulty moving or walking: This could be a sign of a spinal injury or other serious injury.
Numbness or tingling in limbs: This could be a sign of nerve damage or other serious injury.
Fatigue or dizziness: This could be a sign of a concussion or other head injury.

Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health. If you’re unsure whether or not you need medical attention, it’s better to get checked out by a medical professional just to be safe.

Legal Implications of Seeking Medical Attention

Another important reason to seek medical help after a car accident is to establish a personal injury claim. Medical documentation of your injuries and treatment is critical when filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.

Establishing a Personal Injury Claim

Establishing a personal injury claim can help you recover damages for any lost wages, any medical bills and expenses and pain and suffering you may have endured as a result of your car wreck. Medical records serve as evidence of the extent of your injuries and can help you establish negligence on the part of the the other party or driver involved.

Medical Documentation for Insurance Purposes

Medical documentation of your injuries and treatment is essential when filing an insurance claim. Insurance companies require documentation of the extent of your injuries and medical treatment, to determine how much compensation you are entitled to recover.

Finding the Right Doctor in Kansas City

When finding the right doctor, it is important to evaluate your needs and do your research. Some options for medical care after a car accident include:

Primary Care Physicians

Your primary care physician may be your first point of contact after a car crash. They can assess your various injuries immediately and determine if you require further medical attention or referral to a hospital or a specialist.

Primary care physicians are typically the first line of defense when it comes to medical care. They are general practitioners who are trained to handle a wide range of medical issues. They can provide care for acute injuries, such as broken bones or lacerations, as well as chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. They can also provide preventative care, such as vaccinations and routine check-ups.

When choosing a primary care physician, it is important to consider their experience and training. Look for a doctor who has experience treating patients with similar conditions to yours. You may also want to consider their bedside manner, as having a good relationship with your doctor can make a big difference in your overall health and well-being.

Chiropractors and Physical Therapists

If you are suffering from back or neck pain, chiropractors and physical therapists can help you treat your injuries. They can offer adjustments, exercises, and other therapy options to help you recover.

Chiropractors are medical professionals who specialize in treating musculoskeletal problems, particularly those affecting the spine. They use a variety of techniques, including spinal adjustments, to help alleviate pain and improve mobility.

Physical therapists, on the other hand, focus on helping patients regain strength and mobility after an injury. They may use exercises, stretches, and other techniques to help patients recover from injuries and improve their overall physical function.

Specialists for Specific Injuries

If you have sustained specific injuries, such as a head injury or spinal cord injury, you may require care from a specialist. Researching the right specialist for your needs and working with them to develop a treatment plan can be crucial in your recovery.

Specialists are medical professionals who have completed additional training and education in a specific area of medicine. They may focus on a particular organ system, such as the heart or lungs, or a specific type of injury, such as a traumatic brain injury.

Working with a specialist can be a key part of your recovery after a car wreck. They can provide targeted care and support to help you regain your health and well-being.

Speak to a Doctor and Kansas City Car Wreck Lawyer Right Away

Car accidents can be traumatic experiences that leave a lasting impact on your life. Seeking prompt medical attention after a car accident is crucial to prevent long-term health complications and establish a personal injury claim.

After seeking medical attention following a car accident, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer from Wendt Law. This medical evidence strengthens your claim and supports your car accident attorney’s efforts to seek fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Call Wendt Law at 816-542-6734 to schedule a free consultation with a Kansas City car accident lawyer.