Car accidents and injuries typically go hand in hand. Between 2012-2014, 8% of hospitalizations in New York were due to car accident injuries. Also, 9% of emergency room visits were by people who were involved in motor vehicle accidents. You might not have to go straight to the hospital after your accident, but that doesn’t mean that you’re not hurt. Sometimes, auto accident injuries happen while you are on the clock or driving a company vehicle. Find out what to do if you have back pain after a car accident.
Notify Your Insurance Company
You should have notified your insurance company right after the car accident. If you have yet to do so, start there. As a no-fault state, your insurance policy will pay for your medical treatment. If you have a serious back injury, you might also need to make a claim against the other driver.
For now, though, start the process by letting your insurance company know that you were in an accident. Have the police report handy in case the insurance company needs additional information. Then, you will get a claim number to use to pay for medical treatment related to your back pain.
Seek Treatment at the First Sign of Symptoms
Many people don’t notice any symptoms for the first day or two. Then, their backs begin to hurt. It’s important to seek treatment at the first sign of symptoms.
Failing to get medical treatment immediately could aggravate the condition and make it harder to get relief. This is especially true for back injuries that can have long-term effects. You could end up with a lifetime of back pain if you don’t go to the doctor right away.
Get a Full Medical Evaluation
Go to an experienced car accident doctor for your medical evaluation. Unlike primary care doctors, car accident doctors understand the nature of car accidents and what to look for regarding back pain.
Your car accident doctor will likely have you undergo a full workup that includes imaging tests and nerve studies. Your doctor will look for the cause of your back pain and check for other injuries, as well.
Undergo Treatment
Your auto injury doctor will create a treatment plan for you. You need to follow your doctor’s advice and undergo the plan. Failing to attend appointments could make your condition worse.
Also, it might come back to haunt you if you try to file a claim against the other driver down the road. Remember that your doctor wants what’s best for you, so you should go to every scheduled appointment.
Get Medical Help for Your Back Pain After An Accident
Back pain makes it hard to engage in daily tasks. Standing, walking, bending, sitting, and lying down are all painful.
Don’t make the mistake of waiting for the pain out, hoping it will go away. Instead, seek treatment at a multi-specialty medical clinic that specializes in car accident injuries. Your medical bills will be covered either by no-fault, PIP, or a workers’ compensation insurance depending on the circumstance of the accident.
Your doctor will help you manage the pain while treating you for your injuries. Then, you can begin to get your life back to normal.