Where Should I Go to Seek Medical Treatment After a Car Accident?

After a car crash, the most important thing is to protect your health, which includes seeking a thorough medical evaluation to rule out any critical injuries. Failing to seek medical help right away could impact your body’s ability to fully recover, but where should you go for treatment?

This blog explains why getting a medical evaluation after a car crash is important to both your health and any potential claim you may seek to recover your damages.

At Friedman, Domiano & Smith, our experienced Cleveland car accident attorneys understand the connection between proper medical care and successful legal outcomes for car accident victims. Our legal team is prepared to fully manage your case, protecting your legal rights and best interests throughout the legal process while you focus on your recovery.

Do I Need Medical Treatment After a Car Crash?

In the first hours after a crash, it can be hard to know how badly you are injured. Victims who see no visual evidence of a wound may think they are fine – and they may be. However, the impact of a crash, even one that is more minor, could still cause you harm, such as a concussion, whiplash, fracture or other internal injuries.

It is a good idea to get a medical evaluation right after being involved in a car crash to rule out any serious internal injury. Time can have a significant impact on your ability to recover fully if you have internal injuries. Serious injuries, such as internal bleeding, may not have noticeable symptoms at first, but they can quickly worsen without proper diagnosis and treatment.

Are There Legal Reasons For Seeking Medical Care After a Cleveland Car Crash?

From a legal perspective, delaying or skipping medical treatment after a car crash creates time gaps in your medical records. If you have a valid claim against the other driver in your car crash, this delay gives the liable insurance company room to devalue or deny your claim.

People who are hurt generally want to get better and will seek treatment right away. When crash victims do not seek medical care immediately, the insurance company has room to assume your injuries could have happened anywhere and were not caused by the accident or that your injuries are not as bad as you claim.

When Should I See a Doctor After an Accident?

Prompt medical care protects your health, but it also creates documentation about your injuries, establishing a clear link to the crash that caused them.

Even if you feel relatively fine after a collision, certain symptoms should never be ignored, as they may point to serious and potentially life-threatening conditions that require immediate medical attention.

Where Should I Seek Medical Treatment After a Car Crash in Cleveland?

After a car accident, choosing where to seek medical care is crucial for your health and creating a clear medical record. In Northeast Ohio, you have access to a range of options to ensure you get timely, appropriate treatment.

Emergency Room Care

Emergency rooms provide the highest level of care after car accidents. They have advanced diagnostic equipment and trauma specialists available 24/7. ERs can detect internal injuries that are not immediately obvious. Car accident victims often have hidden injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions.

The major advantage of emergency rooms is comprehensive, immediate care. This includes thorough examinations and advanced imaging tests. Emergency physicians document all injuries for insurance claims. This documentation becomes crucial evidence for your legal claim.

Urgent Care

Urgent care centers offer middle-ground treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. They typically handle cuts, bruises, and minor fractures effectively. Wait times are usually shorter than in emergency rooms, and basic injury treatment costs are generally lower.

However, Urgent Care centers generally lack advanced imaging equipment like CT scanners and are not always open. These centers may not have the equipment or medical specialists onsite to detect internal bleeding or organ damage or complex injuries. Delaying getting a diagnosis can impact your well-being and ability to get the treatment you need quickly.

Primary Care

Your primary care physician knows your medical history well and can schedule follow-up appointments for ongoing treatment. Primary physicians typically refer accident victims to emergency departments, so your family doctor is best for follow-up care.

Unfortunately, most offices cannot accommodate same-day emergency visits and lack trauma assessment and diagnosis equipment. Car accident injuries can worsen without immediate treatment. When you wait for a scheduled appointment, you risk your health, and insurance companies may question treatment delays in claims.

What Symptoms May Indicate a More Severe Injury After a Cleveland Car Accident?

Victims often may not notice symptoms right away if there is no visual sign of a wound. The adrenalin rush, triggered by the crash, may mask pain initially. As that wears off in the hours that follow, victims will become more aware of pain and other symptoms.

Key symptoms to watch for after a car crash may include:

• Severe Headaches or Dizziness
• Neck or Shoulder Pain
• Back Pain
• Abdominal Pain or Swelling
• Numbness or Tingling in Extremities
• Changes in Vision or Hearing
• Difficulty Concentrating or Memory Problems
• Mood Changes or Personality Shifts
• Delayed Bruising or Swelling
• Persistent Pain in Any Area

Why It Is Crucial To Follow Your Medical Plan After a Cleveland Crash

It is imperative that you follow your doctor’s prescribed medical treatment plan after a car accident to help your body recover. It also helps to strengthen your legal case. Here’s why:

Insurance companies watch for gaps in your treatment. They also take note of missed appointments and times when you do not follow your doctor’s advice. For example, if you stop going to your physical therapy, the insurance company might think that you are not being honest about your pain or injury.

Accurate documentation strengthens your claim and helps secure fair compensation. Consistent medical treatment also ensures that complications or delayed symptoms are detected early.  This could prevent more serious conditions impacting your long-term health and quality of life.

The medical professionals at Cleveland facilities like MetroHealth or the Cleveland Clinic design your treatment plan based on their expertise and your specific injuries. Each type of care, from medication, physical therapy, to follow-up appointments, serves a purpose in your overall recovery process and potential legal claim.

Injured in a Car Accident in Cleveland? Contact Our Trusted Law Firm Today

At Friedman, Domiano & Smith, our experienced Cleveland car accident attorneys are prepared to fight aggressively to help you recover the compensation you need. Our trusted legal team works hard to protect the rights of our clients every day.

Contact our Cleveland office today for a free consultation or complete our simple online form to have an attorney reach out to you about your case. There are no upfront costs or fees for any of our legal services.