We can never be fully prepared for a car accident in Decatur, and the surprise of a car accident is never good.
Accident injuries can complicate things even further.
If you're hurt in a car accident, you know you need medical care, but it can still be hard to know what to do.
If you have physical injuries or you're afraid you might have injuries, you're probably wondering if you should catch a ride on the ambulance to the Emergency room or head there on your own.
A medical professional at the ER can treat a wide range of injuries, from whiplash and soft tissue injuries to traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage.
Even if you don't think you need to go to the emergency room after a motor vehicle accident, you should still seek medical care from a Decatur car accident chiropractor.
In the article below, we will discuss when you need to go to the emergency room after an accident in Decatur and what your other options might be.
Table of Contents
- When To Go To The Emergency Room After An Auto Accident
- Car Accident Chiropractors
- Accident Injuries Don't Always Appear Right Away
- Auto Insurance Claims
- Contact The Arrowhead Clinic in Decatur
When To Go To The Emergency Room After An Auto Accident
Millions of people are injured each year in the United States from auto collisions.
Unfortunately, we experience our fair share of these here in Decatur.
Some people call 911 after a car accident no matter what, but other people aren't sure if they should.
You should always call 911 after an accident, whether you're injured or not.
Some people are hesitant to call 911 because they're afraid of the cost.
If you don't have good insurance, an ambulance ride and the subsequent medical treatment can be tough to face.
And maybe you aren't sure your injuries warrant immediate medical attention.
When you call 911 after the accident, the emergency responders that arrive on the scene can assess your injuries and take you to the emergency room if it's deemed necessary.
A police officer will also respond to the accident scene to write up an accident report, which will be beneficial to you if you file a personal injury claim.
If you feel fine after the accident or you only have minor injuries, it doesn't mean you're in the clear.
In the absence of life-threatening injuries requiring immediate care, you can visit an urgent care center, visit your primary care physician, or visit a car accident chiropractor.
Car Accident Chiropractors
Perhaps better prepared to treat your accident injuries than your primary care physician or urgent care centers, chiropractors are specially trained in treating car accident victims with various injuries.
Immediate care from a chiropractor after a motor vehicle collision can fend off the need for long-term pain medications and invasive surgeries.
If you go to the emergency room, see your family doctor, or visit urgent care facilities first, your chiropractor can work with them and your insurance company to ensure a complete recovery.
During an initial consultation, your chiropractor will ask specific questions about the accident, complete a physical exam, and review your medical history.
If necessary, they can also order imaging tests like x-rays.
Once the initial diagnosis is complete, your chiropractor will design a treatment plan tailored to your needs to treat your injuries.
Many patients experience immediate relief during their very first visit.
After car accidents, chiropractors can treat:
- Back Pain
- Low back pain
- Head injuries
- Neck pain
- Pinched nerves
- Whiplash
- Soft tissue injuries
In addition to chiropractic adjustments, your treatment plan may also include stretches, exercises, and any necessary follow-up appointments.
Accident Injuries Don't Always Appear Right Away
Another reason people skip an emergency room visit is because they don't think they're injured.
There's a common misconception that it will be easy to determine if you are injured or not after a car accident, but that's not always true.
Some accident victims don't notice symptoms of their injuries for hours or even days after an accident.
This is often due to the release of adrenaline your body experiences after a car accident.
Adrenaline blocks pain receptors, so car accident victims can't tell their body is in pain immediately after a crash.
Once the adrenaline wears off, though, accident victims will finally be able to notice their pain and other injury symptoms.
Even though you didn't feel injured at all or just had what you thought was a minor injury, once the adrenaline wears off, you might realize you've suffered a significant injury.
That's why you should always seek medical attention right after the accident, whether it's emergency care, a visit to an urgent care clinic, or a visit to a chiropractor so a doctor can examine the injury.
If you wait too long to see a doctor, your injury can get much worse and be harder to treat.
It can also affect your potential to be compensated for your injuries if you have to file an insurance claim.
Auto Insurance Claims
Another reason it's important to go to the emergency room or get checked out by a chiropractor as soon as possible after an accident is for insurance purposes.
Receiving medical care right away will protect your health and legal rights so you can be compensated for your damages.
PIP, or personal injury protection, often covers emergency care and chiropractic care for accident injuries.
Or, if the negligence of another driver caused your car accident, you can have your damages paid through a personal injury claim or lawsuit.
Receiving fair compensation requires that you seek medical attention within a certain amount of time after the accident.
The sooner you receive care after your accident, the better.
It's in your best interest to consult with a personal injury attorney after your accident so they can make sure you are compensated fairly.
Contact Arrowhead Clinic in Decatur
If you were injured in an accident in Decatur, GA, and you don't think you need emergency care, you can visit a chiropractor to help you with your pain.
Arrowhead Clinic has been serving Georgia for over 40 years. Our office in Decatur is happy to offer a free consultation to all new patients.
During the free consultation, our chiropractors can assess your injuries and refer you to experienced accident lawyers to help you handle your insurance company.
To schedule your Free Consultation in Decatur, click the button below.
