Do I Need to See an Orthopedic Specialist After an Auto Accident?

A car accident or truck accident can wreak havoc on the injured victim’s body. The force of a collision can cause serious damage from head to toe.

In serious crashes, the victims are usually rushed to the hospital for evaluation and treatment. In more minor accidents, injuries may not be as obvious. Many car accident victims feel fine right after the crash, but develop symptoms later on. This is often the case with neck and back injuries.

For this reason, it is often recommended to see a doctor even if you don’t feel any immediate pain.

Whether your injury is obvious or hidden, it is always wise to get a full exam from a hospital or clinic. This evaluation often includes being seen by a specialist.

What is an Orthopedic Specialist?

Orthopedic specialists are doctors who work with the musculoskeletal system of the body. They treat a wide range of ailments of the back and joints. Orthopedic specialists often treat patients with back, knee, hip, shoulder, and wrist pain.

Orthopedic physicians use several methods to diagnose patients. These include physical examination, x-rays, and MRI’s.

The treatment provided by orthopedic specialists includes pain medication and physical therapy. When surgery is recommended, the patient will be referred to an orthopedic surgeon.

Why Seeing a Specialist is Important After an Accident

Visiting a specialist is always helpful to diagnose and treat your medical problems. In the event of an accident, this is especially true.

An auto accident can have serious and unpredictable consequences for your body. The collision may twist or jerk certain joints. This can cause hyperextension or ligament damage. It can also lead to a spinal disc injury.

The accident may also impact several different body parts at the same time. As such, an initial examination may not reveal all the damage. A doctor who does not specialize in orthopedics may focus on the obvious damage and overlook a hidden injury.

If an injury is overlooked and treatment is delayed, the problem can become much worse.

Why You Should Visit a Specialist Sooner Rather than Later

If you are injured in a car or truck accident, it is a good idea to see an orthopedic specialist sooner rather than later. This is partly because it will help you get the proper diagnosis and treatment. It is also better for your personal injury claim.

Getting treatment for every medical problem caused by the accident will help develop the record for your personal injury case. If you are hurt in an accident, but the injury is not detected until later on, it will be harder to connect the injury and the accident.

It is also important to follow your treatment plan and demonstrate you are doing your best to recover.

If an injury is not discovered soon after the accident, the insurance company will argue that the ailment was caused by something else. They will, therefore, claim they are not responsible. Also, if you don’t follow the doctor’s advice, they may even try to blame you for your condition.

Can I Be Reimbursed for the Cost of an Orthopedic Specialist?

If you prevail in a personal injury lawsuit following an accident, you will be compensated for your medical bills. This includes all treatment and examinations that you needed for your injuries. In almost every case, an evaluation by an orthopedic specialist is covered too.

Potential compensation for accident victims also includes the cost of necessary treatment, like medication, rehab, physical therapy, and surgery.

On top of medical costs, personal injury claimants can receive compensation for lost wages and lost earning capacity, as well as payment for their pain and suffering. The total compensation available varies widely based on the extent of the injuries and the cause of the accident.

How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help?

If you were injured in a car accident, you may need a team of doctors to help get you back to 100%. If the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, you will want a personal injury attorney to make sure you are compensated.

Just as your injuries require the attention of a specialist, your case deserves the attention of a knowledgeable car accident attorney. Even if you sought treatment late for a hidden injury, an experienced personal injury lawyer will fight to get each and every medical bill reimbursed by the at-fault party.