Car accidents are often traumatizing events, and the period of time that immediately follows may be marked by feelings of confusion and uncertainty. You might not be sure what you should do or where you should go when leaving the scene of the accident. If you were injured, there is one obvious answer—the emergency room.
However, if you feel like your injuries were not that serious or you’re only in a small amount of pain, you might be wondering, “Should I really go to the ER?”
While every situation is different, it’s vital to seek appropriate medical care in as timely a manner as possible. Prompt medical care and treatment can make a world of difference after suffering a serious car accident injury.
Why Do People Avoid Going to the Emergency Room?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—the CDC—approximately 2 million people suffer car accident injuries every year in the United States. These injuries can range from mild to severe, with some victims experiencing little discomfort while others suffer lifelong consequences.
Some car accident victims resist going to the ER immediately or soon after an accident, though. Some common reasons people cite for avoiding the ER include:
- Concerns about the cost of medical bills
- Transportation concerns
- Feelings that their injuries are not that serious
The high cost of medical bills is no secret. Going to the emergency room, undergoing imaging tests, and meeting with specialists can be expensive even when you have health insurance coverage. This should not stop you from going to the ER if you are hurt in an accident. Money for medical bills is just one facet of compensation you can secure if the accident was not your fault.
Similarly, costs associated with getting to the hospital—such as ambulance rides—can also be covered by your personal injury settlement. The Mejia Law Firm can help you determine the value of your claim and will make sure that the compensation fully covers the costs of your injuries and medical care.
Since you know that it is possible to pursue compensation for medical bills, do not let any concerns about the severity of your injuries hold you back from going to the ER. Some injuries may seem mild at first but then may quickly progress. Catching things like traumatic brain injuries—TBIs—early on can lead to better outcomes.
Why You Should Go to the ER After a Car Accident Injury
If you survive a car accident with zero injuries, count yourself lucky. Millions of people are injured every year, many of whom require immediate, ongoing, or long-term medical care. Symptoms of some injuries may overlap as well, and it may be hard to determine whether you are just feeling shaken up after a collision or are suffering from a severe injury. You should go to the ER right away if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms following a car accident:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Balance issues
- Memory loss
- Periods of unconsciousness
- Neck pain
- Numbness or tingling in your limbs
- Swelling
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Unexplained painful lumps
- Nausea
- Vision problems
- Hearing loss
- Severe weakness
- Weakness isolated to just one side of the body
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
If you experience any of the above symptoms after being involved in a car accident, you should go to the ER as soon as possible. Do not drive yourself if you are in a serious condition. Instead, call 911 for an ambulance or have a trusted friend or loved one drive you.
While only a doctor can diagnose an illness or injury, these are some of the more common injuries that can result after a car accident:
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord damage
- Punctured lungs
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
- Back injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Burns
- Soft tissue injuries
This is far from an exhaustive list of injuries that may occur because of a serious car accident. Time is of the essence for treating serious medical conditions, and the longer you go without the proper medical care, the more permanent or severe any resulting impact may be.
Do not discount what you are feeling after an accident. Even if your symptoms were exaggerated because of feelings of stress, it is always better to err on the side of caution. At The Mejia Law Firm we would rather our clients go to the ER only to find out it was an unnecessary trip, rather than wait to see how things develop only to realize they should have gone to the hospital much earlier.
Who Will Pay for ER Bills?
Going back to the question, “Should I go to the ER after I’ve been Injured?” the answer is clear—yes.
While paying for car repairs is certainly not a cheap undertaking, it may pale in comparison to the cost of medical bills. Going to the hospital is expensive, and follow-up care can easily break the bank. When you’ve been injured because of another driver’s reckless or negligent behavior, shouldering the burden of these costs can feel wildly unfair.
Whether the other driver was distracted, under the influence of alcohol, not paying attention to the road, or simply behaving negligently, The Mejia Law Firm can help. We have what it takes to hold the other driver responsible and to make sure the insurance company pays for your damages. Our attorneys are uniquely prepared to value your claim to make sure that the insurance company does not try to trick or bully you into accepting a settlement that is less than what you deserve.
Do not hesitate to reach out. When you contact us to schedule a no-obligation consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss the details and potential merit of your case with an experienced lawyer. We never charge for initial consultations.