10 Reasons to Seek Emergency Medical Attention after a Car Accident

Being in a car accident can be a frightening experience. Not only do you have to navigate the often confusing and dreaded insurance claims process (let’s face it, nobody enjoys that), but you also need to ensure that you and your family are taken care of from a medical standpoint. If you’ve followed our blog before, you know that we’re huge advocates for seeking physical therapy care promptly after a car accident.

Fun Fact: did you know that in all 50 states, you don’t need a prescription from a doctor to see a physical therapist? It’s true! Research shows that seeking physical therapy within two weeks of an auto accident can help reduce costs by up to 60% and improve long-term recovery outcomes.

However, there are certain circumstances where physical therapy might not be the best immediate solution, and it’s essential to know when to seek urgent care or head to the emergency room.

A Quick Disclaimer

This article is here to help you understand what symptoms to watch out for so that you can make informed decisions about your health. Our goal is to give you peace of mind during a potentially stressful time, not cause unnecessary anxiety.

Remember, pain after a car accident can be intense and may come on suddenly. Just because you’re experiencing discomfort doesn’t necessarily mean you’re in immediate danger.

Here are some key red flags to guide your decision-making process when deciding whether to head to urgent care or the emergency room after a car crash.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention If…

After a car accident if you have these following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:

1. Severe Headaches

If you experience sudden, intense headaches that are different from your usual headaches, this could be a sign of a concussion or other serious head injury.

If the headache is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, confusion, or changes in vision, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. These could indicate a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that requires imaging and further evaluation.

2. Numbness or Loss of Sensation

Numbness in your arms or legs can signal a problem with your spinal nerves. While not all numbness is cause for immediate concern, if you experience a total loss of sensation or if numbness occurs on both sides of your body, it’s essential to get further imaging to rule out spinal cord injuries. However, if the numbness is localized to a small area and is not complete, seeing a physical therapist could be the right next step.

3. Difficulty Breathing

If you’re having trouble taking deep breaths or experiencing severe chest pain, this could indicate lung damage caused by the force of the seatbelt or airbag during the accident. Breathing difficulties should be addressed immediately with medical evaluation.

4. Loss of Consciousness

If you lost consciousness, even briefly, after the impact of the car crash, you need to get medical imaging to rule out a traumatic brain injury or concussion. This is a serious symptom and should not be ignored.

5. Abdominal Pain or Swelling

Pain or swelling in the abdomen can signal internal injuries to your organs. These types of injuries can be life-threatening, so they require immediate medical attention to ensure nothing serious is being overlooked.

6. Persistent Vomiting or Nausea

Persistent vomiting or nausea following an auto accident may be a sign of a severe concussion or other head injury. Don’t delay in seeking medical help if these symptoms persist, as they could indicate something more serious.

7. Bladder or Bowel Incontinence

Changes in your bladder or bowel control after an accident can be indicative of a spinal cord injury, which requires urgent evaluation by a physician.

8. Severe, Unrelenting Pain

If you are experiencing pain that is constant, above 8/10 in intensity, and not relieved by over-the-counter medications, it may indicate a fracture or significant soft tissue damage. This type of pain should be managed by a physician who can order imaging and determine the best course of action.

9. Severe Anxiety or Uncontrolled Mental State

It’s natural to feel anxious after a car accident, but for some, this can trigger a panic attack or alter their mental state. While anxiety is common, it’s essential to know that it can also increase pain perception. Additionally, a traumatic brain injury could cause cognitive changes. If you’re struggling to manage anxiety or have concerns about your mental clarity, don’t hesitate to seek medical supervision.

10. Bleeding or Wounds

Cuts, lacerations, or excessive bleeding are a sign that you may need stitches or medical treatment to prevent infection. Even seemingly minor cuts should be assessed to ensure proper healing and avoid complications.

When to Seek Physical Therapy After a Car Accident

While these red flags require immediate attention, most injuries sustained in a car crash benefit from physical therapy.

Physical therapy is an effective way to address soft tissue injuries, muscle strains, and joint stiffness. Early intervention can help reduce long-term pain, improve mobility, and prevent chronic issues from developing.

At MovementX, we are here to guide you through the recovery process.

If you’re unsure whether physical therapy is right for you, we offer free consultations with one of our highly skilled physical therapists.

We can assess your symptoms, answer any questions, and get you started on the path to recovery. Better yet? We can match you with a physical therapist for a same day virtual consultation.