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Preventing Long-Term Complications After a Car Accident

How to Determine Fault and Liability in a Car Accident

Car accidents can have devastating short- to long-term consequences. That’s why numerous organizations are committed to helping many people avoid them. Unfortunately, there’s still much more to be done in that regard.

According to the National Safety Council, 5.4 million people sought medical treatment after a vehicle accident in 2021. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also states that vehicle crashes cost the economy $340 billion annually.

When these crashes happen, people tend to focus on the short-term damage. However, any car accident doctor will tell you that the long-term complications can be just as deadly.  

The premier hub for people looking for a car accident doctor in New York discusses how to avoid these complications in this post.

Some Common Long-Term Complications of a Car Accident

Some of the most common long-term complications of a car accident include the following:

  • Chronic pain. Car accident injuries like whiplash or spinal column injuries can cause you chronic, debilitating pain months after the accident if you do not receive treatment. A report in the Journal of Transport & Health shows that 45% of car accident victims will develop chronic pain in two years.
  • Reduced range of motion. Untreated car accident injuries that affect your joints can slowly cause you to lose the full range of motion in your arms, legs, or waist over time.
  • Organ damage. Any impact to your chest or sides during an accident may cause internal organ injuries that may only become apparent years down the line.
  • Paralysis. Untreated spinal cord injury is why some car accident victims go from complaining about minor back pain to experiencing paralysis.

How To Prevent Long-Term Complications After a Car Accident

You can avoid the long-term complications of a car accident by doing the following.

See a Car Accident Doctor Immediately

Many people decide against seeing a doctor after an accident because they feel fine or they believe they can deal with any pains they are experiencing with some painkillers and some first-aid. Unfortunately, this approach is dangerous.

You may feel fine after an accident because of the adrenaline coursing through your veins. But how do you feel after a couple of hours? How about a few days or weeks after? You need to see car accident or pain management doctors immediately after the accident.

Stick to the Treatment Plan

If your doctor confirms an injury due to the accident, it’s important to follow through with their recommended treatment plans. Depending on the type of injury, your treatment may involve taking pain management medications, chiropractic care, or physical therapy.

The doctor may recommend open or minimally invasive surgery if the non-invasive approaches don’t work.

Adhere To Recommended Lifestyle Changes

Your treatment may involve lifestyle changes that can help fast-track your recovery, such as eating more balanced diets, following an exercise plan, or quitting smoking. Sticking to these changes can help your treatment work better.

Always Monitor for Additional Symptoms

Car accident injuries can have a knock-on effect on your body, even when you’re undergoing treatment. Therefore, you should never dismiss any lingering symptoms. That slight dizziness you feel or weakness in your extremities may point to more severe underlying issues.

End Your Search for Auto Accident Doctor Near Me

Have you been in a car accident recently? Avoid the risk of long-term complications by talking to an experienced car accident doctor.

At Injured Call Today, we have extensive experience in holistic car accident treatment. We are also the team to trust if you need a workers comp doctor in New York.

Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.

Call us today at (800) 897-8440 to schedule a consultation.

Learn more about our techniques in pain management.

FAQs

How Soon Should I See a Car Accident Doctor Near Me?

You should see a car accident doctor as soon as possible after a car accident. Ideally, you should see the doctor after you treat injuries you can see (cuts and bruises).

What Should I Do If I Experience Delayed Symptoms?

If you experience any delayed symptoms you believe must be due to the car accident, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible for further tests to rule out severe underlying issues.

What If I Never Experience Any Symptoms?

Many car accident victims leave the scene without broken bones, spinal injuries, or other wounds. However, it’s not advisable to diagnose yourself. It’s better to see a car accident doctor and receive a clean bill of health than to not see one and end up with a severe complication down the line.