As you have probably noticed, Maryland’s roadways are busier than ever. Even with careful driving, you may eventually have a collision with another driver. What you do in the minutes, hours, days and weeks after a wreck may have a tremendous effect on your recovery.
The average number of fatal car accidents over a five-year period in Maryland is 466. You have a significantly greater chance of sustaining an injury on the road, however. In fact, in 2017, 34,518 individuals suffered some type of injury in a car accident in the Old Line State. If you have an injury after a car crash, what you do matters. Here are three medical mistakes you should avoid:
1. Not seeking medical attention
Car accidents can cause your body to experience a fight or flight response. When adrenaline is pumping, you may not realize you have an injury. That is, sometimes symptoms do not appear for a period of time after an accident. Whether you think you have an injury or not, you should seek emergency medical treatment following any car wreck.
2. Not telling your doctor how the injury happened
Your physician may not be able to care for you effectively if he or she does not know how you sustained your injuries. Try to tell your doctor as much as possible about the accident. Even facts you think are irrelevant may help your doctor make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment plan.
3. Not listening to your doctor’s instructions
When you receive treatment for a car accident injury, you must listen to your doctor’s instructions carefully. You must also follow them. Failing to do so can interfere with your recovery. It may also make pursuing compensation for your injuries more difficult.
After a car crash, you probably want to move on with your life as quickly as you can. You must, however, focus on your recovery. By avoiding some common medical mistakes, you increase your chances of leaving your car accident injury in the past.
