If you have been seriously injured for the first time, you may be encountering types of doctors that you have never heard of before. The following are some of the medical specialists that personal injury victims are most likely to encounter.

An anesthesiologist administers drugs to provide pain relief during surgery. Some anesthesiologists also treat chronic pain. Anesthesiologists who treat pain are also sometimes called specialists in pain management.

A burn specialist is exactly what it sounds like - someone who cares for patients with severe burns.

A dermatologist handles diseases and injuries to the skin, including burns.

A doctor of emergency medicine usually works in an emergency room. This doctor may have been the first doctor to treat you after the accident.

The doctor you most likely see regularly is probably a family practice or general practice doctor. Depending on your injuries, that doctor might take an active part in your care or refer you to a specialist.

A neurologist treats injuries and abnormalities of the nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. This is the doctor you will see if you have a brain or spinal injury. If you need surgery, you might also see a neurological surgeon or spinal surgeon.

An orthopedic doctor treats injuries to the bones, muscles and joints, sometimes including amputations, as well as broken bones.

A doctor who treats problems with joints is a rheumatologist.

For accident victims, doctors of plastic surgery, reconstructive surgery or cosmetic surgery work to correct damage to the body or unsightly scars, and to restore functions or prevent loss of functions.

Physical therapists and doctors of physical medicine and rehabilitation work with injury victims to restore movement or function to areas affected by an injury.

Psychiatrists handle mental health issues, including emotional injuries caused by accidents. Specialists in other specific parts of the body include nephrologists (kidneys), hepatologists (liver), gastroenterologists (the digestive system), cardiologists (heart), pulmonary specialists (lungs) and podiatrists (feet and ankles).