What Medical Treatment to Expect When You Are Injured in a Car Crash
By Simon P. Etehad Esq.
At Etehad Law, we understand how difficult it is for our clients to manage their day-to-day lives, not to mention the stressors involved in managing treatment for injuries as a result of a car crash. This is precisely why we help our clients manage their treatment from the outset of the case. We encourage our clients to manage their treatment in a manner that is representative of what insurance companies recognize as reasonable and progressive treatment. Doing so takes patience and accommodation on the part of the client, along with a carefully designed plan by the medical professionals who treat them. It is important to recognize and respect that insurance companies have “seen it all,” and what they generally want to see is a regimented plan that coincides with the injury.
There are several approaches to developing a good treatment plan, and countless reasons why they don’t work. Clients often juggle work, home, and treatment life, and have little time to waste. Equally as important are the physicians’ often-crowded schedules and the distances between appointments and the clients’ home and work. It’s a challenge, but if managed correctly, insurance companies will be more inclined to negotiate to the benefit of the client. Moreover, the more reasonable the trajectory of the treatment plan, the less room the insurance company has to argue that the client’s injuries are disproportionate to the treatment. This only further leverages the client’s ability to maximize recovery for the pain they have suffered.
Outlined below is a plan that our lawyers and support team have determined as a pattern for the successful treatment of our clients’ injuries. It just so happens that insurance companies have taken favorably to the approach and have compensated our clients nicely for their injuries.
1) Immediate Care: Urgent Care or Emergency Room
The first priority after a car crash is seeking immediate medical attention, either at an urgent care facility or the emergency room. Quick evaluation is crucial to identify and treat any life-threatening or serious injuries. This step also involves managing acute pain and stabilizing your condition.
2) Medical Evaluation by a Specialist
Post-emergency care involves a thorough examination by a medical specialist, such as an orthopedic surgeon or a pain management physician. These experts assess the extent of your injuries and develop a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs, ensuring a focused and effective recovery process.
3) Referral to Therapy
To aid in recovery, you might be referred to various therapies aimed at improving strength, mobility, and pain management. Depending on your injuries, recommended therapies could include:
Physical Therapy: Focuses on improving movement and reducing pain through exercises and manual therapy.
Chiropractic Treatment: Helps in aligning the spine and relieving musculoskeletal pain.
Aquatic Therapy: Utilizes water-based exercises to enhance mobility and strength with minimal joint stress.
Occupational Therapy: Aids in regaining the ability to perform daily activities through targeted exercises and activities.
Each of these modalities plays a unique role in your rehabilitation, and your healthcare provider will recommend the best options for your recovery.
4) Medical Imaging
To get a clearer picture of your injuries, medical imaging such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans may be necessary. These diagnostic tools help identify internal damage that might not be apparent during a physical examination, ensuring that no injury goes unnoticed.
5) Medical Re-Evaluation
As you progress through your treatment, periodic re-evaluations by your primary medical doctor are important. A re-evaluation can address lingering pain and inflammation with a non-surgical approach to temporary pain relief while the body heals.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (“PRP”) Injections: Used to address injured muscles, joints, and tendons throughout the body using the patient’s own plasma and injecting that plasma into the affected areas. Somewhat of a vitamin boost for the joints and muscles that do not typically have an excessive amount of blood flow, as blood flow is critical for the healing process.
Facet Block Injections: Used to treat pain that originates from the joints between the vertebrae in the spine (facet joints).
Trigger Point Injections (steroid or dry needling): Used to treat pain and stiffness in muscles throughout the body.
Epidural Injections: Used to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in the spine (whether cervical, thoracic, or lumbar), while allowing the spine to heal.
This methodology, although used as temporary pain relief, can help isolate the injury at issue and treat that injury according to the regime established in the treatment plan.
6) Additional Therapy or Specialist Evaluation
In some cases, additional therapy or evaluation by a specialist may be required. This could include:
Neurosurgeon: For spine-related injuries.
Orthopedic Surgeon: For injuries involving bones and extremities.
Neurologist: For head and brain injuries.
These specialists provide advanced care and may suggest further treatment options, including surgery if necessary.
7) Surgical Evaluation
If your condition warrants it, a surgical evaluation by a specialist will be the next step. This assessment determines whether surgical intervention is needed to address your injuries and enhance your recovery.
Navigating the medical landscape after a car crash can be daunting, but understanding the steps involved can provide a sense of control and assurance. At Etehad Law, we are committed to being your advocates for your health and well-being. We encourage you to seek the medical care you need and to lean on us for support as you heal and move forward. Your journey to recovery is our priority, and we stand by you every step of the way.