More than 6 million car accidents occur each year in the United States. While most of these accidents are minor, some result in serious injuries requiring medical attention.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you may be wondering if you should go to the hospital. Remember that when you are involved in a car accident, you can suffer a wide range of injuries.
Some of the injuries might not be immediately apparent. For example, you may have suffered a concussion or whiplash. These types of injuries can take hours or days to manifest.
It’s always best to err on the side of caution and go to the hospital after a car accident. Even if you don’t think you’ve been injured, it’s essential to get checked out by a medical professional.
This blog post discusses everything you need to know about going to the hospital following a car accident. So, should I go to the hospital after a car accident? Read on to learn more.
Should I Go to the Emergency Room (ER) After a Car Accident?
The truth is that being involved in a car accident may be disorienting. You may feel confused, scared, and unsure of what to do next. Should you go to the hospital? Should you call the police?
First and foremost, you should always call the police after a car accident. Even if the accident was minor, it’s crucial to have a police report on file.
The police will document the accident and speak to witnesses who may have seen what happened. This can be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim or take legal action against the other driver.
After you call the police, assess your injuries. If you are bleeding or have a broken bone, it’s obvious that you need to go to the hospital.
But what if your injuries are not so apparent? Should you still go to the emergency room?
The answer is yes. You may have suffered internal injuries, concussions, or whiplash. These types of injuries may not be immediately apparent, but they can still be severe.
It’s always best to get checked out by a medical professional after a car accident. They will be able to assess your injuries and provide you with the appropriate treatment.
What Happens in an Emergency Room After a Car Accident?
If you go to the emergency room after a car accident, the first thing the staff will do is assess your injuries.
They will ask you how the accident happened and what kind of pain you are in. They may also order X-rays or CT scans to rule out serious injuries.
Once they have assessed your injuries, the staff will provide you with the appropriate treatment. This may include over-the-counter pain medication, ice packs, or a neck brace.
In some cases, you may need to be hospitalized for further treatment. For example, if you have suffered a severe injury such as a concussion or spinal cord injury, you will need to be hospitalized for further treatment.
What Is the Average Waiting Time in an Emergency Room?
Expect to wait if you go to the emergency room after a car accident. The average waiting time in an emergency room will be approximately 40 minutes.
However, remember that this varies depending on the hospital and the severity of your injuries. If your injuries are not life-threatening, you may have to wait longer.
First aid may be administered within the first few minutes of your arrival. However, you may have to wait for an X-ray or CT scan.
The good news is that most emergency rooms have a triage system. It means that patients with the most severe injuries are seen first.
What Injuries Require Immediate Emergency Room Treatment?
Some car accident injuries require immediate emergency room treatment. These include:
- Head injuries, such as a concussion
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
If you have any of these injuries, you must go to the hospital immediately. Failure to seek immediate medical treatment could result in further complications.
Why Should I Seek Medical Attention As Soon As Possible?
There are several reasons why you need to seek medical attention as fast as possible, regardless of whether you think you have been injured or not.
If you think you don’t need emergency room admission, you can visit an urgent care center for assessment. Here are some of the critical reasons why you should seek medical attention as soon as possible:
1. Symptoms of Some Injuries May Delay
Some injuries will not present symptoms right away. For instance, you may not feel pain from whiplash for a day or two after the accident.
The same is true for concussions and other head injuries. The full extent of your injuries may not be apparent until days or weeks later.
This is why it’s essential to get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible. They will be able to assess your injuries and provide you with the appropriate treatment.
2. You May Not Be Able to Make an Insurance Claim
If you wait too long to seek medical treatment, your insurance company may deny your claim. Most insurance companies require that you seek medical attention within a certain time frame after the accident.
For example, you may have to go to the hospital within 24 hours of the accident. If you don’t, your insurance company may deny your claim. This is why it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
3. You Need a Medical Record for Your Lawyer
If you plan on filing a personal injury lawsuit, you need a medical record. This document will be used as evidence in your case.
Your medical record will detail the injuries you sustained in the accident. It will also provide information on your treatment and prognosis.
If you don’t have a medical record, it will be difficult to prove that your injuries were caused by the accident. This could result in your case being dismissed.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Car Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s essential to talk to a lawyer. An experienced car accident lawyer will be able to help you navigate the legal process.
They will also ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve. Most car accident lawyers offer free initial consultations.
This is an excellent opportunity to ask questions and get advice on your case. Schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer today.
