Got hit by a red light runner!......

[Nancy60]

Monday was a bad start to the new week, new month.....Just when I start feeling in control of my health, finances, etc...again.  I was going to an offsite meeting for work monday morning when I go T-boned by a redlight runner!  It spun my car around ended up facing the wrong direction with my car crunche up and the engine pouring out smoke.  I hit my head and Left shoulder and was a little dazed at the scene.  Luckily there were witnesses, the police and fire department showed up right away.  I went to the ER a couple hours later (declined an ambulance at the scene) just to be checked out, basically OK but they didn't take any scans or x=rays at all, just neuro checks, palpated etc...  all the bruises came out later that night.  discharge diagnosis was mild closed head injury!  basically saying I bumped my head......

Went into work yesterday and spent most of the day with Employee Health and going over to see the Occupational Health doctor.  He took x=rays of my skull, shoulder, neck etc...nothing broken but he thinks I hurt my rotator cuff on my L shoulder.  Gave me restrictions for lifting and overhead activities and my boss said they couldn't accomodate the restrictions so I have to be off work until I see him again (tomorrow).  I told him my back was a little sore and was concerned because I had had surgery last November.  He didn't really do anything for that (no x-rays or anything).  It is a little better today so I am hoping it is just a strain, but do you think I should go see my back doctor on my own?  or my PCP?  I know they are not workers comp doctors, but since he didn't really check it, and the ER didn't check it....Im just thinking I will go in on my own to make sure it is OK.

Any advice appreciated...

Oh, I will find out after the insurance adjuster see's my car if it is fixable or not.

Nancy

[jazzlover]

Very sorry to hear this!! I've had a few bad wrecks and my neck and back are now suffering. Do everything you can to protect yourself, physically and financially. One thing for sure, do not let the other person's insurance record a statement from you. I let someone do that to me, and wish I hadn't. They were at my door the very next day!! (and the wreck was in no way my fault)

Might be good to see your doctors just in case you have trouble later.... that way it is documented.

hope you are OK and that the shoulder will be OK!

[stephL]

Some docs are reluctant to get involved in treating car accident injuries because there can be legal matters involved, disputed bills, etc. I would find a doc who specializes in treating car accident injuries. It's something like a primary care doc who coordinates your care. They really are experts in this area since it's all they do, and have a team of specialists they either refer to or practice with. They often have physical therapy available within the same office, which is convenient. I think you will also want to see an attorney so that you know your rights and are treated fairly by the insurance companies. Hopefully they can get you into a rental car quickly. Find an attorney that specializes in handling auto accidents, they generally do not charge for an initial consultation. Good luck and I hope you feel better soon, Nancy!

[Joe S.]

I would suggest you see a chiro as soon as possible. Review my post on pain management. Do not sign anything from any insurance company with out having your attorney look it over first and maybe then have someone else look it over also. Your insurance company (auto) should pay for several visits to the chiro.

[stephL]

I agree that the chiropractor can be invaluable, Joe. My MD auto accident doc had a son who was a chiro and they practiced in the same office together. They made a great team!