What is an injury or assault in a traffic accident?
Immediately after a car accident, you may think, "It doesn't hurt that much, so it's okay." However, injuries from car accidents are not immediately noticeable right after the accident, and it may take several hours to several days for pain and numbness to appear. In particular, neck and shoulder pain, stiffness, lower back pain, numbness in the hands and feet, and headaches caused by whiplash can sometimes be noticed only after a period of time has passed. Even typical neck sprains (cervical sprains) may appear only after the next day.
In such cases, seek medical attention.
If you experience the following symptoms after a car accident, please consider seeing a plastic surgeon.
- Neck and shoulder pain and stiffness
- Lower back and back pain
- Numbness and abnormal sensations in the hands and feet
- Headache, dizziness
- Pain in joints such as shoulders, elbows, and knees
- Bruising and swelling
- Pain when moving the body
- The fatigue and physical discomfort that continues after the accident
Even if the symptoms are mild immediately after the accident, they may become more severe later. We recommend that you do not self-diagnose and consult a doctor at once.
Procedure for seeking medical care (contacting the auto liability insurance company and obtaining a diagnosis)
1. Report it to the policeIf you are involved in a traffic accident, even if you have no symptoms, you should contact the police. If you are injured, you may need to file a personal injury claim. If the police do not intervene or you do not seek medical attention, your symptoms may be considered unrelated to the accident.
2. Go to the doctor as soon as possibleIf you wait until after the accident to seek medical attention, it may be difficult to determine the relationship between the symptoms and the accident, so it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
3. Contact the insurance companyIn conjunction with the appointment, please inform the insurance company of the perpetrator’s side to “visit the Ikiridobashi Serara Clinic.” After that, the insurance company will contact our hospital directly and the registration for treatment under the liability insurance will be completed. Even if the insurance company has not contacted you yet, it is important to first visit the clinic to check your physical condition.
About the cost of treatmentThe costs of medical treatment for visits due to traffic accidents are generally covered by the insurance company of the offender (liability insurance and optional insurance). Until the insurance company contacts us, the treatment costs are initially borne by the patient. After receiving the notification, we will process a refund of the self-pay portion. In some cases, you may be able to receive treatment without paying any self-pay costs at the counter if the procedures are complete. The method of payment depends on the circumstances of the accident and the procedure with the insurance company; please check with the front desk for more information.
What is liability insurance?It is an insurance that is mandatory when driving automobiles or motorcycles and aims to provide compensation to victims of traffic accidents. In addition to medical expenses, it covers document fees, business interruption losses, and compensation for emotional distress.
Tests performed at our clinic
The orthopedic surgeon will perform the examination and, depending on the symptoms and the patient's condition, will perform imaging tests if necessary.
medical treatment
- Examination of pain in the neck, shoulders, lower back, joints, etc. caused by traffic accidents
- Examination for symptoms caused by spanking, numbness or discomfort in the limbs
- Examination for bruises, sprains, etc.
- Medication management of pain
- Rehabilitation by a physical therapist
- Exercise therapy and physical therapy tailored to symptoms
- Advice on movements in daily life and work
In addition to a doctor’s examination, a physical therapist will check your body’s condition and movements and provide rehabilitation tailored to your individual symptoms. Please discuss any symptoms you are experiencing, such as difficulty moving your neck, back pain that interferes with your work, or being afraid to move your body after an accident.
Doctors who treat this disease
The surgery is performed by a plastic surgeon. Our hospital has a plastic surgery specialist from the Japanese Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery on staff.
There are a plastic surgery department and a rehabilitation department, and doctors and physical therapists work together to provide medical care.
Frequently asked questions
Q. I wasn’t in any pain immediately after the accident, but after a few days I started to experience pain. Can I go see a doctor?
A. Yes. Symptoms may not appear until a short time after the accident. The doctor will examine you in conjunction with the accident, so please consult with them.
Is it okay to see a doctor before I hear from the insurance company?
A. It is important to contact your insurance company before you visit the doctor so that the process goes smoothly. However, it is most important to visit the doctor first to get a proper diagnosis. You can also consult with the receptionist.
Q. Do I need to pay at the counter if I use liability insurance?
A. If the procedures with the insurance company are in order, there may be cases where you can receive treatment without incurring any out-of-pocket expenses at the clinic. Until the insurance company contacts us, you will initially bear the out-of-pocket costs and we will process a refund later.
Q. How long can I continue visiting the hospital?
A. It depends on the symptoms and the recovery process. There is no set rule of "x months"; the doctor will determine the course of treatment based on the patient's condition.
Q. I am seeing other medical institutions and chiropractors, but can I consult with you as well?
A. Yes, we are happy to help you. If you would like a detailed examination at the orthopedic clinic, want to receive rehabilitation, or would like to change your healthcare provider, please feel free to contact us. Changing healthcare providers may require contacting your insurance company and completing the necessary procedures; our clinic can also assist you with this.
Related explanatory articles
- Medical examination after a traffic accident | Visit an orthopedic surgeon for whiplash, lower back pain, and numbness | Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance accepted
- For those who have been injured in a traffic accident
Other diseases in the same category
- Lower back pain and strain of the lower back
- An ankle sprain
- Shoulder pain and tenosynovitis
- Degenerative knee joint disease (knee pain)
- Work-related injury: neck pain