At Georgia Spine & Orthopaedics, we are committed to helping patients injured in a car accident recover. With multiple locations across metro Atlanta, our top-rated car accident doctors and injury specialists are here to support your rehabilitation journey.
We offer orthopedic surgery, pain management, neurology, physical therapy, and chiropractic care. Additionally, we can connect you with skilled car accident lawyers if legal advice is needed.
Below, we answer some of the most common FAQs for those injured in a car accident.
What Should I Do If I’m Injured in a Car Accident?
Right after a car accident, prioritize your safety and health. Check for any immediate injuries and call 911 to report the accident. Moving your vehicle to a safe location, if possible, can help prevent further accidents.
Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver. Document the accident scene by taking photos and collecting witness information. This can support your car accident case.
Even if you feel fine, see a medical professional as soon as possible to rule out any hidden injuries. Notify your insurance company about the accident.
When Should I Seek Medical Attention After a Car Accident?
It’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a car accident. Many injuries may not show symptoms right away due to the body’s response to trauma. Early medical care can prevent complications and ensure any injuries are documented promptly, which is crucial for insurance and legal purposes. Delaying treatment could worsen your condition or potentially affect your ability to recover compensation.
Should I Visit the ER, Urgent Care, or My Primary Physician First?
Where to seek initial treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms:
- ER: Go to the ER if you have severe pain, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, or signs of head trauma.
- Urgent Care: If you have moderate symptoms, such as mild pain or stiffness, but are otherwise stable, urgent care is an option.
- Primary Physician: Your primary physician can provide follow-up care, but they may not specialize in trauma care, so visiting a specialist may still be necessary.
Do I Need to See a Specialist for Car Accident Injuries?
Seeing a specialist after a car accident is highly recommended for a comprehensive evaluation and targeted treatment plan.
- Orthopedic Specialist: Orthopedic doctors are experts in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal injuries, which are common in car accidents. They can assess fractures, dislocations, joint injuries, and other structural damage. Our team can perform orthopedic surgery to repair serious injuries.
- Neurologist: If you experience headaches, dizziness, or other neurological symptoms, a neurologist can help diagnose and treat potential concussions or nerve damage.
Specialists can provide more accurate diagnoses and advanced treatment options for a faster and more effective recovery.
How Can Georgia Spine & Orthopaedics Support My Recovery After a Car Accident?
At Georgia Spine & Orthopaedics, we offer a comprehensive approach to car accident recovery. Our team includes orthopedic specialists, neurologists, physical therapists, and chiropractors who can evaluate and treat a wide range of injuries. We’re dedicated to helping you heal as quickly and fully as possible, with services tailored to address your unique recovery needs.
- Orthopedic Surgery: For fractures or severe joint injuries, our orthopedic surgeons provide advanced surgical options if conservative treatments aren’t enough.
- Pain Management: Our pain management specialists can help reduce discomfort, especially for chronic pain that can develop from untreated injuries.
- Neurology: If you’ve experienced any head or nerve-related injuries, our neurologists are skilled at diagnosing and treating these sensitive conditions.
- Physical Therapy: We create personalized rehabilitation programs that improve strength, mobility, and overall function.
- Chiropractic Care: Our chiropractors help realign the spine and relieve musculoskeletal pain, promoting better recovery and reducing pain.
What Are the Most Common Car Accident Injuries?
Common car accident injuries include whiplash, concussions, back injuries, fractures, and soft tissue injuries. Spinal injuries and herniated discs are also prevalent, as are shoulder injuries, knee injuries, and damage to joints from impact forces. Some injuries may require orthopedic or neurological evaluation to ensure they are appropriately managed for a full recovery.
How Long After a Car Accident Can Symptoms Appear?
Some injuries like severely broken bones are immediately apparent. However, symptoms of car accident injuries may be delayed by hours, days, or even weeks. For example, whiplash or mild concussions might not be noticeable right away. If you notice any new symptoms days after the accident, such as headaches, neck pain, or muscle stiffness, seek medical attention promptly.
What Are the Symptoms of Whiplash, and How Is It Treated?
Whiplash is a common injury caused by the sudden back-and-forth neck motion during an accident. Symptoms can include neck pain, stiffness, dizziness, and headaches. Treatment for whiplash often includes rest, pain management, physical therapy, and chiropractic care. Recovery times vary depending on the severity of the injury and how quickly treatment begins.
How Can I Tell if I Have a Concussion or Brain Injury?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury. Symptoms of a concussion include headaches, confusion, nausea, dizziness, and sensitivity to light or noise. Memory issues and difficulty concentrating are also common signs. A neurologist can help diagnose and treat these symptoms, and early intervention is important for preventing long-term effects.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From Car Accident Injuries?
Recovery time depends on the type and severity of your injury. Minor injuries may heal in a few days to weeks, while severe injuries, such as fractures or spinal injuries, may require several months of treatment and rehabilitation. Consistent follow-up with your healthcare provider and adherence to your treatment plan can help speed up recovery.
How Can Physical Therapy Help After a Car Accident?
Physical therapy after a car accident helps restore movement, strengthen muscles, and reduce pain. A physical therapist can develop a personalized plan to target affected areas and improve mobility. This accelerates healing and reduces the risk of long-term complications, such as stiffness or chronic pain.
Should I See a Chiropractor After a Car Accident?
A chiropractor can help treat injuries related to the spine and joints. Chiropractic care after a car accident is particularly beneficial for alleviating back pain, neck pain, and joint stiffness. It is non-invasive and focuses on realigning the spine and restoring normal movement, which can relieve pain and support overall healing.
How Do I Choose the Right Car Accident Lawyer?
Look for a lawyer with specific experience in car accident cases. A good lawyer will offer a free consultation, be transparent about fees, and have a solid track record with similar cases. They should be familiar with Georgia’s car accident laws and understand how to negotiate with insurance companies effectively.
How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Charge?
Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. Typically, they charge a percentage of the settlement or award, ranging from 25% to 40%. This can vary, so it’s essential to discuss fees upfront.
What Compensation Can I Recover If I’m Injured in an Accident?
In Georgia, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Medical Bills: Current and future expenses related to the accident.
Lost Wages: Compensation for time off work due to injuries and loss of earning capacity if your ability to work is affected.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress. This can include PTSD and permanent disability.
Property Damage: Car repairs or the car’s market value if it’s totaled. You can also seek compensation for a vehicle’s diminished value.
An experienced lawyer can assess your damages and maximize compensation. The average car accident settlement in Georgia is around $23,900, but settlement amounts can vary significantly based on the severity of your injuries, the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage, and other factors.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Georgia?
In Georgia, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. This is known as the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations for property damage claims is four years. Filing within these time frames is critical, as missing the deadline could prevent you from recovering any compensation. Consulting a lawyer early on can ensure you don’t miss any important deadlines.
Is Georgia an At-Fault or a No-Fault State?
Georgia is not a no-fault state. Georgia operates under an “at-fault” insurance system, which means that the person responsible for the accident is liable for damages. This can impact your case, as you’ll need to establish who was at fault to receive compensation.
If the other driver is found to be at fault, their insurance should cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. However, if you’re partially at fault, the amount of compensation may be reduced.
Can I Still File a Claim If I Was Partially at Fault?
Yes, Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you’re partially at fault, you can still file a claim, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault, you can recover 80% of the damages.
However, if you are 50% or more at fault, you won’t be able to recover any compensation. A lawyer can help argue your case and potentially reduce the percentage of fault assigned to you.
Will My Car Accident Case Go to Court, or Can It Be Settled Outside of Court?
Most car accident cases are settled outside of court through negotiations with insurance companies. However, if a fair settlement can’t be reached, your case may go to trial. An experienced car accident lawyer can advise on the best course of action. Settling outside of court is often faster and less stressful, but a trial may be necessary to achieve fair compensation if negotiations fail.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Car Accident Claim?
The time it takes to settle a car accident claim can vary widely. Some cases are resolved within a few weeks or months, especially if the injuries are minor and liability is clear. More complex cases, involving severe injuries or disputed fault, may take several months to a year or longer.
Insurance companies often try to prolong the process, but an experienced attorney can help move things along by handling communications and negotiating on your behalf.
What Should I Do if the Insurance Company Offers a Quick Settlement?
If the insurance company offers a quick settlement, it’s essential to exercise caution. Quick settlements are often lower than what you may be entitled to, as insurance companies aim to minimize their payouts.
Before accepting any settlement, consult with a lawyer who can review the offer and ensure it adequately covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and any other damages. Once you accept a settlement, you usually can’t go back and ask for more, so it’s crucial to evaluate it carefully.
Contact Georgia Spine & Orthopaedics for Accident Recovery Care
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, getting the right medical care is essential. At Georgia Spine & Orthopaedics, we offer top-quality care for auto accident injuries. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation with one of our experienced professionals, and let us help you on your journey to recovery.
