Getting into a car accident is an extremely unsettling experience. Even minor collisions can leave you feeling shaken up. However, some crashes lead to more serious consequences in the form of injuries that require prompt medical treatment.

Seeking out the proper medical care shortly after an auto accident is crucial for several reasons:

  • To get injuries accurately diagnosed and establish documentation
  • To rule out any major trauma that may require emergency care
  • To initiate appropriate treatment and recovery protocols
  • To mitigate the risk of long-lasting medical issues stemming from lack of early care

However, not all doctors are equally equipped to treat car accident injuries. Choosing the right physician can make a tremendous difference in the ultimate outcome of your health and potential injury claim following a crash.

Types of Doctors You May Need After a Car Accident

Depending on the types of injuries sustained, you may need to seek care from one or more of the following medical specialists:

Primary Care Physician

For minor cuts, bruises, and complaints of general soreness, seeing your primary care physician is typically the first stop. They can examine you, diagnose basic injuries, prescribe medications, and refer you to specialists for additional treatment if needed.

Orthopedist

An orthopedist specializes in injuries involving the musculoskeletal system – namely the muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. They often treat common car accident injuries like:

  • Sprains and strains
  • Fractures
  • Whiplash
  • Herniated discs

Orthopedists can order imaging tests like x-rays, MRIs, and CT scans to accurately diagnose damage to these structures. They then develop customized treatment plans that may involve braces, injections, medications, therapy, or surgery when necessary.

Neurologist

Any time you suffer impact to the head or neck, visiting a neurologist is wise to assess for traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) like concussions or internal bleeding. Even if you don’t lose consciousness, a mild TBI with lingering symptoms is possible. Neurologists also address issues with the nervous system that may arise due to car accidents.

Pain Management Specialist

If pain from accident-related injuries persists over time, a pain specialist can provide focused relief through customized treatment regimens. These may incorporate medications, steroid injections, nerve blocks, physical therapy, biofeedback, and more. Finding an effective pain management protocol is instrumental in preventing chronic pain from setting in.

Chiropractic Physician

Chiropractic Physicians are the physician most often involved in the day to day management of your musculoskeletal injuries.  They will work with you to help reduce your pain, increase your range of motion and get you back to full activities following a car accident.  Dr. Huffman works with a network of Florida chiropractic physicians who he trust to provide optimal care for his injured patients.

Questions to Ask Doctors After a Car Accident

When meeting with physicians and specialists after an auto collision, asking the right questions is vital. Be sure to find out:

  • What are my exact injuries?
  • What is the recommended treatment plan?
  • How often will I need follow-up appointments?
  • How long do you expect a full recovery will take?
  • Should I avoid any activities during recovery?
  • Do you foresee any long-term effects from my injuries?

Getting clear, detailed answers establishes next steps for achieving optimal health restoration. It also provides critical documentation if you end up filing an injury claim.

Finding the Right Car Accident Doctor

Because injuries from car crashes can be complex, identifying physicians with pertinent experience and qualifications is key. Here are important factors to look for:

Board Certification

Verify that any doctor treating you after an accident is board certified in their specialty. This validates extensive training and expertise that is especially valuable when dealing with accident trauma cases.

Experience Treating Car Accident Injuries

Look for doctors who focus a significant part of their practice on auto collision injuries. They will be most familiar with the types of trauma and treatment approaches specific to these cases. An established history handling post-accident care is a definite plus.

Accepts Payments from the Auto Insurer

Since accident injury cases often lead to claims and litigation, finding a doctor who accepts payment from the auto insurer is extremely helpful. This allows you to receive medical treatment regardless of your personal health insurance status.

Works with Personal Injury Law Firms

If you plan on pursuing an injury claim through a lawyer, seek out physicians accustomed to working on these types of cases. They will understand what documentation personal injury attorneys need to prove causation and damages. The best car accident doctors collaborate directly with law firms helping accident victims.

Why Florida Injury Medical Centers?

When needing quality medical care and documentation after a vehicular crash in Florida, Florida Injury Medical Centers checks all the boxes. Some standout benefits include:

  • Highly experienced car accident doctors – Led by Dr. Kevin Huffman who focuses specifically on auto collision injuries.
  • Treat the full spectrum of crash injuries – Anything from minor sprains to traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries.
  • Accept letters of protection – Eliminating out-of-pocket costs to the patient.
  • Established relationships with top personal injury law firms – Ensuring the necessary medical documentation to support injury claims.
  • Customized treatment plans – Tailored specifically to each patient’s unique injuries to promote maximum medical recovery.

In essence, Florida Injury Medical Centers has everything you need when seeking out quality medical care and documentation after being injured in a Florida auto accident.

Conclusion: Don’t Delay Medical Care After an Accident

Being in a car crash can be a terrifying ordeal, especially when injuries are involved. While it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and shaken up, it’s critical not to delay in seeking proper medical treatment.

Prompt injury diagnosis and early initiation of appropriate therapies provide your best chance for an optimal recovery. Quick action also ensures documentation that may be essential if moving forward with an injury claim.

Finding knowledgeable doctors specifically focused on treating car accident trauma can make a tremendous difference in health outcomes and claims potential. Florida Injury Medical Centers has the right physicians, experience, and processes to deliver customized care plans to start patients on the best path after a unfortunate auto collision.