One of the most important things to do after an auto accident is to seek medical attention. Many people who have been in auto accident go straight to the ER. The ER may perscribe or conduct imaging, treat any cuts or broken bones, write a prescription for the pain and tell you to follow up with your primary care doctor. There is also the option of going to your GP, walk in clinic or health care practitioner.
Some of the symptoms from a car accident that may not show up immediately are:
Arm / Leg Pain
Back / Neck Pain
Bruising / Tenderness
Dizziness / Headaches
Muscle Weakness
Numbness
Sprains / Strains
Whiplash
Don’t underestimate the emotional symptoms caused by a car accident and make sure you take care of your mental health. Following a car accident, you may suffer from depression, easily frustrated, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, and “mental fog”.
The second most important thing to do after a car accident is to start a medical file/journal. Take detailed notes on your injuries, (take pictures of the accident location, and photos of your car’s damage and photos of your own injuries) treatments and what challenges you experience on a daily basis starting from the day of the accident and continuing until your last treatment; which can be a few days to numerous months depending on the severity of your injuries.
- Keep a list of all doctors, clinics, hospitals, and health care practitioners
- Keep receipts for all medical bills and receipts
- Keep all correspondence with medical professionals, (emails, telephone conversations etc.) insurance adjusters, and any accident reports from the police
- Keep records of financial losses, such as lost wages
After the accident, your number one priority is to restore your mobility and range of motion, so you can get back to enjoying your daily activities.