After a car accident, you’ll find that there are several steps you must take. Calling 911, notifying insurance companies, obtaining a police report, taking photos of vehicle damage, and gathering witnesses’ statements—just to name a few. During a crisis, it’s also normal to feel shaken up and overwhelmed. With so much on your plate and mind, it’s not unusual to ignore your health. Unfortunately, neglecting the need for medical intervention may cost you much more in the long run.
While seeking emergency medical care in response to your car accident is critical, it’s equally important to monitor your body and document any unpleasant changes after receiving an initial diagnosis from a physician. Watch out for symptoms that may indicate the presence of neurological issues, as these may be life-threatening. Even if the first doctor you saw did not recognize any neurological problems, a neurologist may be able to identify potential internal complications that you would not otherwise know immediately.
Reasons to See a Neurologist after a Car Crash
Do I really need to see a neurologist after a car crash? is a question many victims ask themselves. Regardless of what society deems as medically “necessary,” having no symptoms of neurological impairment doesn’t mean you are free of the risk. No matter your circumstances, early diagnosis and action can help you make informed decisions on your care and about the future of your health and finances.
If you’ve been in a car crash, you should contact a neurologist right away after experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Weakness
- Numbness or tingling
- Loss of bladder control
- Seizures, twitching, or spasms
- Vision problems
- Chronic headaches
If you’ve been newly diagnosed with a concussion, nerve damage, or head injury, it’d still be wise to see a neurologist to better understand how to manage your symptoms. Following an accident, your health records and medical documents will be a vital asset to your brain injury claim.
The Importance of Seeing a Neurologist for Your Car Crash Injury
Neurologists are doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating medical conditions that impact the brain, spine, muscles, and nerves. A neurological examination involves undergoing various imaging tests and procedures to track the brain’s function. Because neurologists have experience treating car accident victims, they will know what to look for and can recommend the best treatment options for you.
Perhaps the greatest benefits of visiting a neurologist are pain management and foreseeability. Neurological disorders come with disrupting and painful symptoms, such as headaches, difficulty concentrating, and vision loss, and they can also worsen or, if left untreated, become permanent. Visiting a neurologist will help you determine what injuries you have and provide you with a good idea of what you should expect for the future—which will play an invaluable role in your ability to collect full and fair compensation.
Neurological Conditions Linked to Car Accidents
One of the most common neurological conditions linked to car accidents is traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). A TBI disrupts the brain’s normal functions and occurs when abrupt external forces act on the head. Some of the body’s most essential nerves are housed in the brain, so when there’s a bleed or bruise present, the effects can be catastrophic. Other neurological disorders triggered by car accidents include:
- Neuropathy: When nerves in the peripheral nervous system are compressed, severed, or crushed, causing pain, weakness, and numbness
- Radiculopathy: When nerves in the spinal column become compressed, causing pain, weakness, tingling, and numbness in the upper, middle, or lower back
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord through trauma
Protect Your Health and Interests after a Brain Injury in a California Car Crash
Experiencing a traumatic event like a car accident can leave you rattled—not knowing what to do or where to turn. Missing out on receiving medical care is something insurance companies bank on. This is why the best thing you can do is talk to an attorney to get a clear understanding of your legal rights and advice on how to get your medical care taken care of after a car crash in California. The Law Offices of JG Winter strive to help you make the right decisions, based on your goals and the threats or opportunities we’ve identified within your situation.
At The Law Offices of JG Winter, our Sacramento brain injury lawyers are personable, professional, and diligent. When clients entrust their cases to us, we take their matters seriously and fight for them every step of the way. Our clients are and will always be our motivating force for securing favorable results. To request a free case review, complete a contact form or call 844-734-2626 today.
