Auto Accident Doctors near Rockland NY
Four Injuries That May Require a Car Accident Doctor in Rockland County, NY
If you’ve suffered a car accident injury in Rockland County, New York, you need to seek medical attention from a no-fault doctor. New York is a no-fault insurance state, and accident victims must visit a qualified doctor to have their medical expenses covered.
Seeing a car accident doctor has many benefits, including a streamlined claims process, lower premiums, and a more straightforward referral process. It can be intimidating to find a doctor to treat your injuries if you do not know where to look. Here are some essential things to know about auto accident doctors in Rockland County, New York.
Rockland County, New York Auto Accidents
Rockland County is part of the greater New York City metropolitan area. Many of the area’s residents commute to New York City for work and school, putting them at higher risk of car accidents. Thousands of cars are on New York highways and roadways, and car accident injuries are common. Rockland County is only about six miles from the Bronx, making it close to the hustle and bustle of New York City. Rockland County residents need to understand the basics of no-fault insurance and how to use it if involved in a car accident.
What Is No-Fault Insurance?
Sometimes called personal injury protection insurance, no-fault insurance pays for your medical expenses in the event of a covered auto collision, regardless of whether you caused the accident. This insurance also pays for the medical costs of your passengers, but the other party must bill their own insurance company.
While some people are critical of no-fault insurance, there are many benefits. A major advantage is lower premiums, as your monthly payments are not likely to increase substantially if you cause an accident. Premiums typically surge after one accident in at-fault states.
Is No-Fault Insurance Mandatory in New York?
All motorists who register their vehicles in New York State must carry no-fault insurance. There are significant fines involved if a police officer stops you without this insurance. There may also be penalties if you get into an auto accident and you do not have any fault insurance.
What Does No-Fault Insurance Cover?
No-fault insurance covers most required medical care expenses. However, it is essential to note that it does not cover damage to your vehicle. Property damage is covered for by your collision insurance or the other party’s liability policy.
Depending on the limits of your policy, your no-fault policy covers the following expenses for you and any passengers:
- Hospital stays
- Doctor’s visits
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy
- Surgical procedures
Some policies also include income loss from the inability to work. You will want to check your individual policy terms to see if you have this benefit. Further, it is essential to note that no-fault insurance does not cover theft or vandalism. Your comprehensive insurance policy must pay for these expenses.
Injuries Car Accident Doctors Treat
Many car accident injuries are penetrating or impact injuries. Impact injuries occur when a part of the body collides with the vehicle’s interior. Examples of this are head injuries from hitting the dashboard due to a rear-end collision, or broken bones from other impacts. Penetrating injuries happen when any kind of cutting or scraping of the skin occurs. An example of a penetrating injury is a laceration after coming into contact with shattered glass.
Some auto accident injuries are more common than others. Most injury doctors treat a variety of ailments resulting from vehicle collisions. However, it is often a good idea to visit a multi-specialty clinic so you can get comprehensive care in one location. Here are a few of the most common injuries an auto accident doctor treats:
1. Soft-Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries occur when damage is done to the body’s connective muscles, tendons, or ligaments. Whiplash is the most common soft tissue injury resulting from auto collisions.
Whiplash causes neck pain and occurs when the neck muscles stretch due to the forceful back and forth during a crash. Other examples of soft-tissue injuries include back injuries and minor spine damage.
2. Scrapes, Cuts, and Lacerations
Loose objects kept inside a car can become dangerous during high-impact auto collisions. Books, phones, bags, and cups can cause significant damage if they impale a passenger’s body. These objects can require minor injuries such as small cuts to more severe lacerations that need stitches.
It is also common for deployed airbags to cause minor scrapes and scratches during crashes. Airbags are more dangerous to smaller passengers. Thus, keeping children in the back seat is essential to avoid unnecessary airbag injuries.
3. Leg and Arm Injuries
Legs and arms are susceptible to injury during car collisions, particularly high-impact crashes. Fractures and breaks are possible if your arms collide with the steering wheel or the door during a side impact accident. Leg injuries are usually more severe and are common in collisions that cause significant structural damage to the car. Injuries range from minor sprains to total or partial leg paralysis.
4. Chest Injuries
While chest injuries are typically minor contusions or bruises, more severe injuries also happen. More severe injuries include broken ribs, internal bleeding, and organ damage. Chest injuries often occur when a driver’s chest hits the steering wheel during a high-impact collision. Seat belts are a common cause of bruises as they can tug on the chest during the impact.
Your car accident injury doctor will develop the best medical treatment for your car accident injuries. A minor injury may only need an ice pack, while surgery may be necessary for other damages. Treatments may involve medication management, physical therapy, and chiropractic care.
Get Help Now
Are you looking for a car accident doctor in Rockland County, NY? No-Fault-Doctors.com is a free online resource that connects New York residents with no-fault doctors. We offer a tool that lets you find and connect with auto accident doctors near you. Don’t make the mistake of visiting your family doctor or general practitioner. Contact us today to find a qualified car injury doctor near you.
Sources:
https://www.abi.org/feed-item/the-5-most-common-car-accident-injuries
https://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/prevention/injury_prevention/traffic/county_of_residence.htm