Car accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, some of which may require extensive medical treatment. At the Weinstein Firm, our Atlanta car accident lawyers help clients get compensation for medical expenses and other damages.
This blog aims to shed light on the types of medical treatments for car accident injuries and their legal implications in Georgia.
Common Injuries and Corresponding Treatments
Auto accidents can cause a variety of injuries. The following are some of the most common.
Whiplash and Other Soft Tissue Injuries
Whiplash is a common injury in car accidents caused by the sudden movement of the head and neck. Treatment often involves pain management, physical therapy, and sometimes chiropractic care. These treatments aim to alleviate pain, restore mobility, and help victims return to their normal activities.
Broken Bones
Car accidents can result in broken bones, which may require surgery, immobilization, and physical therapy. The severity of the fracture will determine the type of treatment needed. In some cases, victims may require surgery to repair the broken bone or to insert hardware to stabilize the fracture.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. These may necessitate emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term care. TBIs can have lasting effects on a victim’s cognitive function, physical abilities, and emotional well-being.
Treatments for Car Accident Injuries
Here are some common types of treatment you may need after a car crash. The necessary treatments and recovery time will depend on your injuries.
Immediate Medical Attention
In the aftermath of a car collision, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. You could visit an urgent care for minor health issues such as cuts or bruises. However, if the injuries sustained are more severe, such as internal bleeding or fractures, a visit to the emergency room is necessary.
Here, healthcare professionals can provide proper care and conduct a thorough assessment of your condition.
Medication Administration
Car accidents often result in physical discomfort from bruises, bumps, or wounds. As such, treatment frequently involves the administration of medication. This could range from prescription drugs for pain management to antibiotics that prevent infection.
Depending on the nature and extent of your injuries, you may also need other medicines to manage additional symptoms such as inflammation or nausea.
Use of Medical Equipment
Upon leaving the emergency room or an urgent care clinic, car accident victims often require medical equipment to aid in their recovery. Some individuals might require temporary use of mobility aids such as crutches or wheelchairs. Others might need orthopedic devices like a brace, a boot, or other equipment for broken bones, sprains, neck injuries, or other conditions.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is often an integral part of the recovery process. It helps restore physical function and alleviate pain through exercises that improve strength, flexibility, and balance. A physical therapist can design a personalized program that addresses your specific needs and goals.
Orthopedic Evaluation
For injuries involving the musculoskeletal system — bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons — an orthopedic evaluation may be necessary. An orthopedic specialist can provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Surgical Intervention
In severe cases where non-invasive treatments are insufficient, surgery may be required to treat injuries caused by car accidents. This could involve procedures to repair broken bones or torn ligaments.
Some accident victims need immediate emergency surgery for internal internal injuries.
Rehabilitation Process
Rehabilitation is often a necessary step in the recovery journey after a car accident. It encompasses both physical recovery — through continued therapy and exercises — and psychological healing — which may involve counseling or support groups to help cope with trauma.
Continuing Care
Depending on the severity of the injuries sustained in the car collision, continuing care may be necessary. This could include regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers to monitor your progress and make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. Long-term medication management may also be required to manage pain or other ongoing symptoms.
Legal Aspects of Medical Treatments
Medical Bills and Compensation
Under Georgia law, if you’re injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for your medical bills from the at-fault party’s insurance company. This includes compensation for treatments received and any necessary future treatments.
Future Medical Expenses
If your car accident injuries require ongoing treatment, these future medical expenses can be included in your personal injury claim. It’s crucial to work with legal professionals to estimate these costs accurately.
Proving Medical Expenses
To successfully claim compensation for medical expenses, you must provide evidence such as bills and medical records. An experienced Atlanta car accident attorney can help gather and present this evidence effectively.
Call Our Experienced Car Accident Lawyers
Understanding the medical treatments associated with car accidents and their legal aspects is crucial for accident victims seeking compensation. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Georgia, consider seeking legal advice from the Weinstein Firm to understand your rights and options.
Contact us at 770-HELP-NOW for a free case evaluation.
