Unfortunately, car accidents are very common. In fact, on average, there is one car accident every six minutes in the United States.
If you’ve been in a car accident and suffered from dental injuries because of it, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed and stressed. That’s normal when someone is involved in a crash and even expected if you have damage to your teeth because of it.
There are many steps to take after a car accident, and you may be confused about what to do first. This guide will lay it out for you, so you don’t have to worry about anything.
Below, you’ll learn about common dental injuries and how to move forward with a personal injury lawsuit.
Common Dental Injuries
There are several types of dental injuries that you can sustain when you’re in a car accident. Some are easy to fix, and others could be permanent or expensive to fix.
Avulsed Tooth
An avulsed tooth is when your entire tooth gets knocked out of your mouth. This includes the crown and the root.
If this happens, it could be very difficult to find it at the scene. However, if you do, it’s vital that you don’t touch the root, the part that’s in your gums. You’ll want to pick it up by the crown and put it in a container with your saliva or whole milk.
You’ll only have a limited amount of time before the tooth dies, so be sure to seek medical attention immediately.
Fractured Teeth
Fractured teeth are not uncommon, especially during a crash. There are several types of fractures, but they are typically all treatable.
Tooth Luxation
If your tooth is loose but still attached, then it’s considered a tooth luxation. This isn’t a major issue, but you should still seek medical attention.
A dentist will put it back into place and check for further damage.
Seek Medical Attention
The first thing you should do after a car accident when you notice your teeth have been affected is to contact a medical professional. The longer you wait, the harder it could be to fix the damage.
A dentist will be able to evaluate the extent of the injury, provide proper care, and potentially reduce the risk of infection and further injury.
Collect Documentation
You should also try to document as much as you can from the accident. This includes photos, a police report, contact information for any witnesses, and the location of the crash.
You should also keep all your medical records, including how much you spent and lost compensation if you were unable to work during the healing process. This information will be vital in the future and could determine how much you receive in compensation.
Contact an Attorney
The next step would be to contact a car accident lawyer who specializes in personal injury lawsuits. They will prove to be beneficial, if not essential.
Navigating the court system can be very challenging on your own, especially if you’re recovering. In order to get the compensation you deserve, everything has to be recorded, submitted, and documented correctly.
If you’re not familiar with the court system, it can be very easy to miss a step or two. An attorney will ensure you get the greatest compensation and will also give you peace of mind as you recover.
Your healing process will go a lot smoother if you don’t have to stress about going to court and fighting for compensation.
File a Claim
Whether you were at fault or not, you’ll need to contact your insurance company. This can be done through your lawyer, which is a great option. They will need the necessary documentation and medical records to ensure you get what you deserve.
Proving Damage
Every car accident is different, which means determining the value of dental damage is different for every situation. Were you wearing a seatbelt? Was there something in your mouth during the accident?
These are relevant questions that you may be asked by your attorney. Whether you answer yes or no, you may still be entitled to compensation, so always answer honestly.
Even if you’re chewing on a piece of ice or eating hard candy during the accident, you were still entitled to compensation, which many people don’t realize. Which is just another reason to hire a professional attorney.
Proving dental damage may not be as difficult as it sounds. One of the most common ways to show what type of damage you sustained is through X-rays.
Depending on the extent of your injuries, your dentist or medical professional will order these for you. From there, you may need a procedure or even oral surgery, which is also fairly easy to prove in court.
The same thing holds true if you need an implant or if your tooth needs to be completely removed because of damage.
Even if the damage seems minimal, it’s important that you schedule an appointment with your dentist. You never know what underlying issues are there or will appear in the future.
Tips for Dental Injuries
Sustaining a dental injury can be very scary and painful. However, you don’t have to navigate the process alone. After an accident, you may be in shock and need support.
Well, we’ve got you covered. We see dental injuries all the time and have the knowledge, resources, and expertise to get you the dental injury compensation you deserve.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any concerns or questions. Send us a message or give us a call here.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.RHINO.77.
