Getting proper medical care after a car crash in Mobile can be the difference between full recovery and lasting complications. Even when getting to the ER right after a collision, many accident victims may not know what to tell their doctor about the accident or the symptoms they are having. But providing the right details about the accident and your injuries can aid the ER doctor in diagnosing you and getting you the treatment you need more quickly. 

At Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys, our Mobile car accident lawyers have extensive experience helping accident victims secure maximum compensation for their injuries. We ensure our clients receive proper medical care and documentation to support their recovery and legal claims. Contact us today or fill out our online case review form to have a lawyer reach out to you. 

Request a FREE case review today. Call: 251-888-8888 

How Soon Should I See a Doctor After a Mobile Car Crash? 

We strongly recommend seeking emergency medical help within 24 hours of any car crash. Adrenaline and stress hormones can mask serious injuries for up to 72 hours after accidents. Even if you feel fine right after the crash, you may begin to develop symptoms in the hours to days that follow.  

While swift medical treatment protects your well-being, the medical documentation from your ER visit helps you in other ways as well. Since your ER treatment is documented in your medical records, that visit creates a direct connection between the collision and your injuries. This official documentation is critical if you intend to file an insurance claim or seek a legal case to recover your damages. Insurance companies tend to deny or fight claims where victims have waited days or weeks to seek treatment.  

An immediate medical evaluation aid your doctor in diagnosing potentially life-threatening injuries like internal bleeding, brain trauma, and spinal damage. When determining where to go, it is worth mentioning that emergency rooms provide the most comprehensive trauma care and are also open 24/7. Urgent care centers, while fine for minor injuries, are not always open and are not as equipped to handle emergency car crash injuries effectively. 

What Dangerous Symptoms Should I Look for After a Car Crash? 

Certain symptoms after a car crash require immediate medical attention and should not be ignored, as they may indicate serious internal injuries. Watch for these warning signs that can appear immediately or develop days after your accident. 

Immediate Serious Symptoms: 

• Persistent or worsening headaches that do not get better  

• Dizziness, confusion, or difficulty concentrating and remembering things 

• Neck stiffness, severe back pain, or inability to move normally 

• Blurred vision, double vision, or sensitivity to light and sound 

• Nausea, vomiting, or loss of consciousness following the crash 

Delayed Warning Signs: 

• Mood changes, irritability, or sudden personality shifts 

• Numbness or tingling in arms, hands, legs, or feet 

• Sleep disturbances, insomnia, or excessive fatigue during the day 

• Difficulty speaking clearly or finding the right words 

• Memory problems or trouble focusing on simple tasks 

Should I Share Details About My Car Crash With My Medical Provider? 

There is no need to give unnecessary information, like who you think was at fault. However, it is definitely helpful to tell your doctor that you were involved in a car crash, along with other details. Tell your doctor the type of crash you were in – which indicates the point of impact. Other information, like the size of your vehicle, where you were sitting, and whether you were buckled in, are also key details that can give your doctor more insight about where you may be injured. Small cars tend to provide less protection and may leave occupants with more severe injuries. Your seating position helps doctors understand which body parts are likely to have sustained the most impact. 

Describe any parts of your body that twisted, hit objects, or made contact with surfaces. Tell your doctor about damage to your vehicle, including broken windows, deployed airbags, and crushed areas. Severe vehicle damage often correlates with more serious injuries, including internal damage, requiring immediate medical attention. 

How Do I Describe My Car Crash Injuries With My Doctor? 

Use the 1-10 pain scale to rate your discomfort, with 10 being unbearable pain. Describe your pain specifically, such as sharp, dull, throbbing, burning, or shooting. These details seem unimportant to you, but it can help doctors understand your injury. Tell your doctor exactly where the pain is and what movements make it worse.  

Be completely honest about your symptoms and any pre-existing medical conditions you have. When you downplay current pain or fail to mention older injuries exacerbated by the crash, it makes it harder for your doctor to properly diagnose your injuries.  

Leaving out prior injuries or medical conditions can harm your legal claim and the amount of compensation you recover. Honest communication with your doctor protects both your health recovery and your legal rights. 

How to Track Your Symptoms and Recovery Process After Your Mobile Car Crash 

Keep a daily pain journal to document your symptoms, pain levels, and recovery progress. Record your pain using the 1-10 scale discussed with your doctor and note what activities trigger discomfort. Track sleep quality, mood changes, and your ability to perform daily tasks normally. This documentation serves multiple purposes. It helps doctors adjust your treatment plan and serves as evidence for your injury claim. 

Be sure to record all medical appointments, test results, and treatment notes in one place. Save receipts for any medical expenses, including invoices for treatments, prescription costs, and transportation to medical appointments. Document how your injuries affect your ability to work, caring for your family and home, and engaging in activities you previously enjoyed before the car accident.  

Questions You Should Ask Your Doctor About Recovery Time 

Ask your doctor specific questions about your estimated recovery timeline and what that means, given the injuries you sustained. These questions help you make informed decisions about work, activities, and treatment options: 

• How long will my specific injuries typically take to heal completely? 

• When can I safely return to work and normal daily activities? 

• What warning signs mean I should contact you immediately or return sooner? 

• Do I need physical therapy, and when should I start treatment? 

• What activities or movements should I avoid during my recovery period? 

• When can I drive again without risking further injury? 

• Will I have any permanent limitations or long-term effects from these injuries? 

• How often should I return for follow-up appointments to monitor my progress? 

• What pain levels are normal during healing versus concerning symptoms? 

• When can I resume exercise, sports, or other recreational activities I enjoy? 

Suffering With Injuries After a Car Accident? Contact Our Trusted Car Accident Attorneys  

It is important to communicate your injuries to the ER doctor and medical team treating you after a car crash. Healthcare providers rely on accurate information about your symptoms and the accident that injured you to diagnose your injuries effectively and quickly. Complete medical documentation also strengthens your legal claim, helping you to recover the compensation you need to move forward. 

At Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys, we have a proven history in securing favorable compensation for our clients. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and discuss your legal options.  

“Andy Wins for you!” 251-888-8888