Car Accident Medical Treatment: What Chicago Injury Victims Need to Know

Learn About Medical Treatment Options Following a Chicago Car Accident

After a car accident, medical treatment not only supports your recovery but also strengthens your car accident claim when seeking compensation.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 290,000 people were injured in crashes involving distracted drivers in 2022. In Illinois alone, the Department of Transportation (IDOT) reported 8,921 serious motor vehicle injuries that same year. 

These numbers highlight just how common and severe accident-related injuries can be, making it all the more important to understand the medical steps to take after a crash as well as your legal options.

Common Car Accident Injuries in Chicago

Car accidents often result in serious injuries requiring immediate and long-term medical care. Common auto accident injuries include:

• Soft tissue injuries – whiplash, muscle strains, and ligament damage
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) – including concussions and other brain trauma
• Spinal cord injuries – can cause permanent mobility loss or paralysis
• Bone breaks and fractures – often affecting the arms, legs, ribs, or hips
• Internal injuries – organ damage or internal bleeding that may not be immediately visible
• Chronic pain – from nerve damage or other long-term complications
  

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), 87,573 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes across the state in 2023​.

Medical Attention After a Car Accident: What to Expect

Accident injuries often demand both immediate and ongoing medical care. It’s critical to see a doctor for prompt medical attention so you can:

• Identify and address injuries early
• Avoid long-term complications
• Create a medical record for your car accident claim

In Chicago, victims usually seek treatment at facilities such as Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Rush University Medical Center, and the University of Chicago Medical Center.

Medical Tests Used to Diagnose Auto Accident Injuries

After a motor vehicle accident, a medical professional must assess both visible and hidden injuries. Accurate diagnosis not only impacts treatment options but also plays a key role in documenting medical costs for personal injury claims, helping you exercise your legal rights to compensation. 

Here’s how medical teams evaluate injuries caused by car accidents:

X-Rays

Used to detect breaks, dislocations, and fractures. These are often the first tests performed when an injured area shows immediate signs of trauma or pain.

CT Scans

CT scans help detect damage like internal bleeding or brain trauma. In some cases, they are used to address pain around the skull and assess damage that might not be visible.

MRI

MRIs are critical for diagnosing soft tissue damage and spinal injuries. If pain signals persist or a person begins to experience symptoms like numbness or tingling, an MRI can uncover what’s not visible through X-rays.

Physical Examination

Doctors perform physical exams to check reflexes, flexibility, and pain points. These exams are important for assessing acute injuries and longer-term conditions like muscle spasms or reduced mobility.

Vision & Hearing Tests

These are essential when airbags deploy or head injuries occur. Damage to vision or hearing may not have immediate signs but could worsen over time without early diagnosis.

Common Car Accident Injury Treatment Options

Depending on the severity of your car accident, injury treatment can vary significantly. A medical professional will recommend a plan based on your symptoms, medical history, and the type of injuries caused. Early intervention can reduce pain, prevent complications, and help manage medical expenses. 

Here are common forms of care that people hurt in car accidents may require:

Emergency Medical Care

First responders provide immediate care at the scene to stabilize serious car accident injuries and prevent life-threatening complications.

Hospitalization and Surgery

Severe injuries, such as broken bones or internal damage, may require surgery or inpatient care. These procedures can be expensive, so it’s important to keep a complete medical history.

Pain Management

Relief may involve prescription medications or injections. If you notice new symptoms, a medical professional can update your plan to manage ongoing pain better.

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

Therapy supports recovery by improving strength and mobility and managing pain, especially after surgery or muscle damage.

Massage Therapy

Massage can ease muscle tension, help circulation, and reduce pain from soft tissue injuries after a crash.

Chiropractic Care

Spinal adjustments may help relieve neck or back pain, especially if nerve compression is involved.

Psychological Treatment

If you’re dealing with PTSD, anxiety, or sleep issues after the accident, a therapist can help you process the trauma and find healthy ways to cope.

Surgical Procedures Covered by Car Accident Claims

If car accident injuries are especially serious or life-threatening, victims may require surgical intervention. These procedures are often performed shortly after arrival in the emergency room and can result in high healthcare bills. It’s critical to see a doctor right away to assess the extent of your injuries and begin appropriate care. 

Below are the most common types of surgery required for severe cases:

Surgical Procedures for Severe Car Crash Injuries

Severe car accident injuries may require surgery soon after arrival at the emergency room. These procedures can lead to significant healthcare expenses. It’s vital to see a doctor early to assess your condition and begin proper care.

Emergency Surgery for Internal Injuries

Surgeons act fast to stop internal bleeding or repair organs. These procedures are often performed before imaging and help stabilize the patient quickly.

Brain Surgery

Traumatic brain injuries may need surgery to relieve pressure or repair fractures. Prompt care and documentation are key to covering medical bills.

Spinal Surgery

Herniated discs, spinal cord compression, or neck injuries may require fusion or disc replacement to ease pain and restore mobility.

Orthopedic Surgery for Fractures

Broken bones often need pins, rods, or plates. Early treatment helps proper healing, prevents long-term issues, and alleviates pain.

Reconstructive Surgery

Burns or facial injuries may call for plastic surgery to restore appearance and function. Recovery may involve multiple operations.

Cost to Seek Medical Attention for Car Accidents in Chicago

The average cost of medical treatment for a non-fatal car accident injury is around $77,000 per person, according to the CDC. Here are some estimates for typical treatments: 

• Emergency Room Visits: The average cost of an emergency room visit in the Chicago and Midwest area is $2,344. ​
• Hospital Stays: An overnight hospital stay averages around $2,565 per night. 
• Surgical Procedures: The cost of surgical procedures varies widely, with some surgeries averaging around $54,000. ​
• Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation: Individual physical therapy sessions in Chicago typically cost between $100 and $179 without insurance.
• Prescription Medication and Pain Management: Costs vary depending on the medication and treatment plan, but they can add substantially to overall medical treatment costs.​

Who Pays for Car Accident Medical Bills in Illinois?

Illinois is an at-fault state, so the driver responsible for the car crash is expected to cover medical expenses, lost income, and necessary treatment options through their insurance coverage.

Lost Wages

Car accident claimants may be entitled to compensation for income lost during recovery, especially after serious injuries requiring surgical intervention or extended auto injury treatment.

Rehab Costs

Costs for physical therapists, spinal nerve treatment, or ongoing care, such as managing muscle spasms or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can be included in your personal injury claim.

Insurance Disputes

Many car accident victims face delays or denied claims. An experienced team of legal professionals can protect your rights and handle negotiations with the insurance company.

Why You Shouldn’t Accept the First Offer

Insurance companies typically offer quick, low settlements that don’t reflect the full cost of treatment plans, emergency services, or future medical provider visits.

Future Medical Care

Low offers rarely cover future treatment options, such as surgical repair, pain relief injections, or visits to urgent care centers to alleviate pain from hidden injuries.

Long-Term Costs

You could miss out on compensation for long-term issues like neck pain, reduced blood flow, or delayed symptoms that aren’t immediately apparent after the accident.

Before signing anything, consult a personal injury attorney. They can help accident claimants recover the compensation they’re owed.

When to File a Lawsuit for Your Auto Accident Injuries

If the insurance company refuses to pay a fair amount for your car crash injuries, especially if you have personal injury protection (PIP), you may need to escalate your car insurance claim by filing a lawsuit in Illinois. Under the Illinois Statute of Limitations, you have two years from the date of the accident to pursue legal action. 

Illinois also follows a comparative negligence rule, which allows you to recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault. If the insurer delays, denies, or undervalues your settlement, a car insurance claim lawyer can help secure the full compensation you’re entitled to.

How a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Can Help With Your Injury Treatment Costs

Even with health insurance, many car accident victims struggle to get their medical bills paid. A lawyer can help protect your rights and reduce your financial burden by:

• Investigating the crash and collecting medical records.
• Negotiating with insurers to cover treatment costs.
• Managing Medicare, Medicaid, or health insurance liens.
• Filing a lawsuit if the insurer won’t settle fairly.

Get Legal Help After a Chicago Car Crash

If you or a loved one suffered car accident injuries, don’t wait to take action. The longer you delay, the harder it may be to gather strong evidence, protect your rights, and recover full healthcare costs. 

Contact a Chicago car accident attorney today for a free consultation and learn about your legal options. An attorney can help guide you through each step of the process and fight for the financial support you need.

Contact us at (888) 424-5757 or through our online form.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.