Why Post-Car Accident Care is Critical

Each year in the United States, there are between 5 and 6 million car accidents — about 15,000 per day — leading to more than 2.5 million injuries and deaths. Car accidents are not only common; even the most minor fender bender can lead to injury.

At Temecula Medical Group, our team, including Dr. Richard H. Rawson, Ryan D. Rowan, PA-C, and Armanda L. Alvarez, FNP-C, is here to help patients who've been in motor vehicle accidents. 

Here’s why you should seek our help sooner rather than later, even if you think you escaped the accident unscathed.

Most common car accident injuries

When you’re talking about several tons of metal and high velocity, it stands to reason that people become injured in car accidents in many different ways.

The most common automobile injuries include:

• Bruising, usually from the seatbelt
• Neck injuries, such as whiplash
• Back injuries
• Brain injuries
• Fractures
• Internal bleeding

Of course, this list isn’t complete, but it gives you an idea of how you can injure yourself in an automobile.

Car accident injuries aren’t always obvious

In the immediate aftermath of a car accident, your adrenaline flows, and you’re likely not feeling anything. This is the first reason your initial assessment of how you fared in the accident isn’t necessarily accurate or reliable.

Second, many common car accident injuries are more subtle, and symptoms may be delayed.

For example, let’s look at bruising. As the adrenaline wears off, you might feel a little sore around your shoulder or chest where the seatbelt restrained you. The next day, however, you wake up to find a large purple bruise that’s tender to the touch.

That was a simple example, but unfortunately, the same concept applies to more serious injuries, such as whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, and spine injuries. These severe injuries often have delayed symptoms that might not show up for 24 hours or more.

Getting our help is a good idea

Our goal is to ensure you’re okay after a car accident and that you have no hidden injuries. Of course, if there’s an obvious injury, contact us straight away. However, if you think you’ve dodged a bullet, we still suggest you err on the side of caution and come see us. Even if we confirm nothing is wrong, you have peace of mind moving forward.

During your visit, we’ll ask you some questions and perform a physical evaluation, which might include digital imaging to take a look inside your body.

If we find an issue, we can take swift action to remedy the problem and relieve any discomfort you might feel.

While your health is our top concern, this visit can also be very useful if you're dealing with insurance companies afterward.

If you’re on the fence about seeking our medical expertise after a car accident, please contact our Temecula, California, office to talk to one of our staff or schedule an appointment.