Each day, roughly 7,000 people are hurt in car accidents throughout the country. The first step to recovery after being hurt in a California car crash is to see a doctor who will assess your symptoms and create a treatment plan tailored to your specific injuries.
How to treat internal injuries
If you experience pain in your stomach or abdomen after a car accident, it could be a sign of an internal injury. During a collision, your body weight may be pressed against your safety belt multiple times. This can result in damage to your kidney, liver or other organs. Your doctor may wait to see if the pain will go away on its own. However, if you have experienced a severe injury, surgery may be necessary to correct it.
Treatment options for back or spinal injuries
Minor back pain may be neutralized by applying ice or heat to the impacted area. A minor muscle strain should resolve itself in a matter of weeks while surgery may be needed to repair a full tear. A chiropractor may be able to look at your back and spine to determine the severity of your injuries.
You may need treatment for mental health issues
It isn’t uncommon for car accident victims to become depressed or anxious. You may be vulnerable to mental health issues regardless of whether you were the driver or passenger in a car that was struck. It may be helpful to see a therapist who may recommend meditation or other strategies to help you overcome your anxiety or depression. There is generally no timeline as to when you may start to feel comfortable driving or riding in a vehicle again.
A personal injury attorney may be able to help you obtain compensation for medical bills and other damages incurred in a car accident. An attorney may use phone records, a toxicology report or witness testimony to prove that your back, neck or internal injuries were caused by a negligent driver.
