Each year in Alabama, car accidents leave thousands of people dealing with injuries ranging from minor bruises to serious, life-altering conditions. In 2022 alone, over 144,000 crashes were reported, leading to more than 38,000 injuries statewide.

Following your doctor’s advice and treatment plan and attending all appointments helps with recovery and ensures your injuries are well-documented for legal claims.

Take a closer look at the types of treatment you might need after a crash depending on your injury, and how our Alabama car accident lawyers can help you file a claim to pursue compensation for necessary medical care.

Common Injuries from Car Accidents

Car accidents often result in a variety of injuries, influenced by the severity of the impact. Here’s a breakdown of the most common injuries in Alabama traffic crashes:

• Whiplash: Caused by the sudden back-and-forth motion of the neck when the car is abruptly brought to a stop at the moment of impact, this cervical injury can strain or tear muscles and ligaments, causing pain and stiffness.
• Fractures: Broken bones frequently occur in areas like the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis, ranging from hairline cracks to severe breaks.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Head injuries can vary from mild concussions to serious brain damage, affecting memory, coordination, or cognitive functions.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissue damage, such as sprains, strains, or deep bruises, often harms muscles, tendons, and ligaments, leading to discomfort, swelling, and potentially reducing the injury victim’s range of motion.
• Internal Injuries: The force of a crash can damage organs or cause internal bleeding, requiring immediate medical attention.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in nerve issues, loss of sensation, or even paralysis, depending on the severity of the injury.

Standard Medical Responses to Car Accident Injuries

Medical care after a vehicle collision often depends on the type and severity of the injuries sustained. From emergency care to long-term rehabilitation, here’s an overview of the treatments car accident victims may require for recovery:

Emergency Care and Stabilization

Emergency care focuses on stabilizing the victim after a car accident. Paramedics may administer oxygen, secure neck braces, or use splints to immobilize fractures. For severe cases, immediate transport to the hospital is crucial for advanced care, such as blood transfusions or emergency surgery.

Surgery

Car accident injuries often require immediate or follow-up surgeries. Doctors may perform emergency procedures to stop internal bleeding or stabilize serious fractures right after the crash. Longer-term surgeries could include repairing broken bones with plates or screws or addressing soft tissue damage to restore function and mobility.

Diagnostic Testing

Once the crash victim is stabilized, doctors can use diagnostic tools to assess the extent of the injuries. Common tests include:

• X-rays for fractures
• CT scans or MRIs for internal injuries or brain trauma
• Ultrasounds to detect internal bleeding
• Neurological exams to evaluate head trauma and check for signs of a concussion or other brain injuries
• Blood tests to monitor for infection, blood loss, or other complications

These tests are essential for determining the right course of treatment and providing evidence for any legal claims.

Pain Management

Chronic pain after a collision is common, with studies showing 67% of victims still suffering moderate or severe pain after eight weeks. To help patients manage discomfort, doctors may:

• Suggest over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen for minor injuries.
• Prescribe medications like opioids or muscle relaxants for severe pain.
• Provide epidural steroid injections for persistent issues like back pain.

Rehabilitation

After a car accident, different types of rehabilitation therapy can help you regain independence and improve your quality of life. Possible treatments include:

• Physical therapy to rebuild strength, improve mobility, and restore coordination.
• Occupational therapy to assist with daily tasks and adapt to new limitations following permanent injuries.
• Speech therapy to manage communication or cognitive challenges from brain injuries.

Severe injuries like spinal cord damage or TBIs may require long-term rehabilitation, but these efforts can make a significant difference in the recovery process.

Why Following Medical Advice Matters

After a car accident, following your doctor’s instructions and attending all scheduled appointments is essential. Doing so ensures:

• Proper Recovery: Skipping treatments or therapies can lead to incomplete healing or chronic issues.
• Documentation for Legal Claims: Comprehensive medical records provide evidence of your injuries and the necessary treatments taken, strengthening your case for compensation.

Insurance companies and courts often rely on these records to determine the extent of your injuries and calculate fair settlements.

Get Skilled Representation from The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers

Recovering from a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when facing medical treatments and mounting expenses. An injury settlement can help pay for your current and future medical needs, giving you the support you deserve.

At The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we collaborate with healthcare providers to document your injuries, consult experts to assess your injuries’ impact on your life, and negotiate with the insurance company for maximum compensation.

Focus on healing while we manage your legal claim. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.