In many cases, yes, you go to the ER after a car accident—especially if you have any symptoms or are unsure about your condition. Some car accident injuries don’t show up right away and can become serious if left untreated. Even if you feel fine, seeking medical care after an accident can protect your health and create medical records that document what happened.
A Tucker car accident lawyer at Fox Injury Law can help you understand the importance of medical care after an accident, and we’re here to help guide you through your decision.
What are the signs that I should go to the ER immediately after a car accident?
Even minor car accidents can cause significant injury. Some of the clear indicators that you might have life-threatening injuries and need to seek immediate medical attention include symptoms such as:
- Loss of consciousness
- Broken bones
- Trouble or pain breathing
- Pain in the neck or spine
- Significant laceration or bleeding
In these situations, calling 911 and requesting emergency transport is usually the safest option. It’s also wise to avoid driving if you have concerns about significant injuries.
Should I go to the ER after a car accident even if I feel fine?
There are many injuries you can sustain in a car accident that are not immediately evident. This may be because they are related to inflammation and take time to develop, or your pain and discomfort are masked by adrenaline and other stress hormones.
Soft tissue injuries like whiplash affect the head and neck, and may not develop until hours or days later, once adrenaline subsides and your body has a chance to react. Similarly, if you suffer from organ damage or internal bleeding, it may initially present as slight discomfort that can become worse with time. A medical evaluation is often the best way to rule out hidden injuries.
Can I go to urgent care instead of the emergency room?
We understand that it can feel like overkill to go to the emergency room, especially if you feel like everything is fine. It might feel like a reasonable alternative to visit an urgent care. However, they lack some of the imaging and diagnostic tools that allow doctors to identify some of the most common car accident injuries. In many cases, your primary care physician or urgent care facility might refer you to the emergency room for this reason.
Will going to the ER affect my claim?
Documenting your injuries early can strengthen your claim in many cases. The longer you wait to seek a full evaluation, the easier it may be for an insurance company to question whether the accident caused your injuries. They may even argue that you exacerbated them due to a lack of care, affecting what they are willing to pay out for treatment.
However, if you have gone to the emergency room for evaluation early on, you can receive the necessary diagnostic care and treatment plan. If you do not have any obvious injuries immediately after the accident, your doctor can tell you what to look out for to ensure you promptly seek care if other symptoms appear.
Who will pay for my emergency room visit?
Emergency medical care can be expensive, and it’s normal to worry about cost. Depending on your situation, you may be able to use health insurance, medical payments coverage, or include those expenses in your injury claim. If you pay out of pocket, keep all receipts and medical records. If you use health insurance, your insurer may later seek reimbursement from a settlement.
When should I speak with a car accident lawyer?
If you were injured in a car accident and have questions about medical care or your next steps, speaking with a lawyer can help you understand your options.
Fox Injury Law offers free consultations. You can call (404) 777-7778 or contact us online to discuss your situation.
