The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented situation. Though many individuals are staying home as much as they can to prevent the spread of this virus, many others must go to work each day or care for loved ones. Grocery trips and other outings remain necessary.
Therefore, motor vehicle accidents are still occurring in California every day. Though it may seem scary to seek medical treatment after a California car accident, there are ways to do so without significantly increasing your risk of contracting COVID-19.
Medical Treatment and Your Car Accident Claim
Seeking medical treatment as soon as possible after an accident is essential in your motor vehicle accident claim. Insurance companies may argue that you were not as seriously injured as you have claimed if you do not obtain medical treatment in a timely manner.
Additionally, some injuries may take a while to show symptoms. If you wait to seek medical attention, your injuries could become significantly worse without proper treatment. For example, an accident victim may not show signs of a brain bleed shortly after an accident, but with various imaging techniques, the brain bleed could be detected.
How Do I Stay Safe While Seeking Treatment During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
In California, hospitals and other medical treatment facilities are taking numerous steps to keep patients safe during the coronavirus pandemic.
For example, some facilities screen incoming patients for symptoms of coronavirus, such as fever, before they ever enter the building. Suspected coronavirus cases will be isolated from other patients in the facility.
Patients may also be asked to put on masks, just in case they have COVID-19 but are asymptomatic. Wearing masks may help reduce the spread of the virus.
Many emergency departments have reported that their overall volume is significantly lower during the coronavirus outbreak. Therefore, even if you must go to an emergency room for treatment after a car accident, there will be fewer patients seeking emergency care.
Do I Really Need Emergency Medical Treatment?
It is understandable to be wary of going to a hospital during the pandemic. However, it is essential to seek treatment for life-threatening injuries and conditions. You should not decline transportation by an ambulance or avoid going to the emergency room if you have been injured in an accident.
You likely need emergency medical care if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Seizures
- Severe cuts or burns
- Concussion
- Eye and head injuries
- Changes in mental condition
- Fainting
- Numbness or weakness on one side of the body
- Broken bones
- Dislocations
- Slurred speech
- Trouble breathing
- Chest pain
These symptoms could be signs of a life-threatening condition or require treatment only available in a hospital setting.
Maintaining Your Health After an Accident
If you are concerned about gaps in your treatment, you have several options for medical care in California.
- Skype or phone appointments: Some chiropractors, physical therapists, and other providers are able to offer guidance over the phone.
- Home exercises: If you have been given home exercises to do by a physical therapist or another provider, use these to help alleviate pain and improve your range of motion.
- Prescriptions: If you are experiencing pain, continue taking your prescriptions as directed. You may also be able to use Tylenol for discomfort. In addition, alternate placing ice packs and heat on the affected area and limit your physical activity to reduce pain.
Remember, if you are in a crisis of pain or disability, reach out to your physician for an emergency appointment or seek emergency medical treatment.
Which California Medical Providers are Open During Quarantine?
- Dr. Robert Faggiano, DC, Faggiano Chiropractic (Newark, Fremont, Union City)
- Dr. Charles Zollner, DC (San Rafael)
- Dr. Ron Rudometkin, DC (Sacramento)
- Dr. Alex Bamhad, DC (South San Francisco)
- Dr. Jerry Kenny, DC (Vallejo)
- Dr. Barry Klinger, DC, Antioch Family Chiropractic (Antioch)
- Reduced hours but open for business
- Dr. Mark Dulberg, DC (Richmond)
- Seeing patients Tuesdays and Thursdays
- Dr. Brian Thalhamer, DC, Wellness Chiropractic (Santa Rosa)
- Dr. Ryan Steen, DC (Brentwood)
- Reduced hours, mornings only
- Comprehensive Spine and Sports Center (Hayward, Fremont, Campbell, Morgan Hill, Salinas, Modesto)
- Also providing telehealth services
- Visiting Angels Homecare Services
- Safeway Psychological Services
- Telephonic services available
- Dr. Benjamin Busfield, Diablo Orthopaedic
- Stockton Family Chiropractic
- Dr. Michael Gazdar, DC, John Muir Chiropractic Center (Walnut Creek)
- Dr. Jeff Potts, DC, Watson Chiropractic (Campbell)
- Reduced hours
- Dr. Petros, Healing Touch Chiro
- Monday – Friday from 9 AM – 7 PM from our Aborn office (San Jose)
- Dr. Ian Davis-Treymane, Upper Cervical Chiropractic of Marin (Mill Valley)
If You Have Been in an Accident, Contact Our Experienced Legal Team Today
The personal injury attorneys at Kuvara Law Firm are prepared to help you through your California car accident claim. We provide the guidance you need to obtain the best results possible, even during the global COVID-19 pandemic.
