Contacting an Auto Injury Doctor in Suffolk County, Long Island, NY
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, thousands of New Yorkers suffer car accident injuries each year. Minor accident injuries typically resolve themselves with limited medical treatment. More severe injuries require more extensive medical interventions. New York is a no-fault insurance state for car accidents. This law impacts when and how victims receive auto accident injury treatment. Here’s everything you need to know about auto injury doctors in Suffolk County, New York.
Suffolk County, NY Car Accidents
Suffolk County is the easternmost county in New York, located on the end of Long Island. With more than 1.5 residents, Suffolk County is the fourth-most populous county in the state. Due in part to its large population, car accidents are common in Suffolk County. Common car wreck injuries include whiplash, back injuries, broken bones, and lacerations.
What Is a No-Fault Car Accident Doctor?
New York is one of a handful of no-fault states in the U.S. In these areas, motorists must have personal injury protection, and they need to seek a no-fault doctor who can treat car wreck injuries. This type of insurance pays for medical bills, regardless of who caused the crash. Each party files a claim with their own insurance company, saving time and headaches.
You may think you can visit your primary care physician for auto accidents. However, primary care doctors may not treat car crash victims or accept no-fault insurance. You need to go to a doctor qualified to evaluate, diagnose and treat car crash injuries. It is best to visit a physician who specializes in treating many types of injuries.
Most Common Car Accident Injuries
There are a few car accident injuries that are more common than others. Rear-end collisions are the most common type of car crash in the U.S. These collisions have a similar impact on the human body, particularly to the head and neck area. Whiplash is among the most common car accident injuries due to the commonality of rear-end collisions.
Here is an overview of the most common car accident injuries:
Whiplash
Whiplash occurs when the neck and head move forcefully backward and forward, causing the cervical spine to move unnaturally. Whiplash victims typically only experience pain for a few weeks after the incident if properly treated. However, a small percentage of people still experience neck pain a few years later. Immediate proper treatment of neck injuries is necessary because of the complexity of neck pain.
Cuts and Scrapes
In a car accident, it is common for loose objects inside the car to hit the occupants. Things like purses, books, phones, and coffee mugs can quickly become dislodged during car accidents. If these items hit your body, they can cause cuts, scrapes, or other surface injuries.
Head Injuries
Head injuries vary from minor to devastating. A car’s sudden change in direction or stop can cause the occupant’s body and head to move in unnatural ways. Injuries are possible if a person’s head hits the dashboard or the steering wheel. A severe head collision can result in significant damage, including brain tissue tears and popped blood vessels. Many head injuries cause concussions, but more permanent head damage is possible with traumatic brain injuries (TBI). You should seek medication attention immediately after an accident, particularly if you suffered a head injury.
Chest Injuries
Chest injuries are common due to the body’s close proximity to the steering wheel and the dashboard while driving or riding in a car. It is not uncommon for a passenger’s upper body to collide with the steering wheel in a medium-impact crash. The injuries that can result include painful bruises, broken ribs, and internal injuries.
Broken Bones
The same forces that result in broken bones and chest injuries can also cause broken bones. If you suffer a side-impact crash, your arms may collide with the door or the seatbelt. Sprains and broken bones can result from this side impact. Depending on the speed of the crash, your legs and arms can suffer various injuries, including broken bones.
Other common car accident injuries include lacerations, international injuries, fractures, and burns.
Auto Accident Injury Treatments
Prompt treatment is crucial after a car accident. You should seek medical attention even if you do not think you have an injury. The adrenaline associated with car accidents can temporarily dull pain, resulting in a miscalculation of your damages. Other injuries do not display symptoms right away but can be quite serious if treated promptly. Thus, you should seek the advice of a no-fault doctor as soon as possible.
While treatments vary depending on your injury, options may include:
Medication Management
Many auto injury doctors prescribe medication to reduce pain and decrease inflammation in the days and weeks following an auto accident. Your doctor should carefully manage your dosage to ensure you do not become dependent on the medication. You should also inform your doctor of any other medications you are taking to avoid any harmful drug interactions.
Physical Therapy
Many patients who have suffered musculoskeletal injuries involving the muscles, bones, or ligaments find relief after participating in physical therapy. Your treatments may include stretching, strengthening techniques, and other rehabilitation treatments. Your no-fault doctor can provide a referral if you require physical therapy as part of your treatment plan.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic treatments often effectively relieve pack and neck pain. Many neck and head injury patients are referred to a chiropractor for pain management following a car accident. Your doctor can also provide a referral for chiropractor services.
This is not a comprehensive list of auto accident injury treatments. Your doctor will evaluate the extent of your injuries and recommend the best recovery plan.
Contact No-Fault Accident Doctors in Suffolk County, NY
Are you looking for auto accident injury treatment in Suffolk County? Work with us at No-Fault-Doctors to find a qualified car wreck doctor in your local area. Review our online directory of medical professionals to find a doctor who accepts no-fault insurance. Don’t wait any longer to get the treatment you need. Contact us today to make an appointment with a car injury doctor near you.