People who get hurt in a car accident may be taken to the hospital to receive emergency medical treatment. The physicians in the ER will provide prompt care and will assess the severity of your injuries.
The ER are not designed to provide ongoing care or treatment, so if your injuries are not life-threatening or do not need ongoing treatment, you will likely be treated and discharged. You will probably be instructed to follow up with your primary care physician.
When Should You Go to the Hospital After an Accident?
Many victims of car accidents are transported to the hospital by an ambulance, particularly in cases where a victim requires emergency medical attention. In some cases, however, a victim may not show immediate symptoms of serious injury. It may be up to the individual to seek medical attention and a thorough diagnosis on their own.
It is tempting to ignore minor aches and pains and focus on vehicle damage and your insurance claim. This could be a mistake, because seemingly minor injuries could worsen or could turn out to be more serious than you initially thought. Some conditions could become life-threatening if left untreated.
It is crucial to visit the hospital as soon as possible after any car accident to protect your health, give you peace of mind, and protect any injury claim you may need to file in the future.
What to Do When You Get to the Hospital
When you arrive at the hospital, make sure to carefully examine all of the paperwork you are given to sign. Make sure that the hospital has your health insurance information and that they are prepared to bill you correctly.
Make sure to tell the attending doctors and nurses exactly what symptoms that you are experiencing so that they can accurately evaluate your condition. Now is not the time to act tough.
Be sure the medical providers know that you were in a car accident and describe to them what happened to your body during the crash. For example, tell them if your head hit the window or if the airbag slammed into your chest.
When to Call a Lawyer After a Car Crash
It is never too soon to contact an injury attorney for assistance. A lawyer can advise you about your legal rights and will can you protect your claim. Your lawyer can handle all discussions with insurers and will let you focus on recovery while they work to seek compensation on your behalf.
How Can Sansone & Lauber Help Me?
With the help of one of our St. Louis car accident attorneys, you can aggressively pursue all of the compensation you need to rebuild your life after the crash.
At Sansone & Lauber, our consultations are always free, and there is no fee unless we win your case. Call us or contact us online now to discuss the specifics of your case with a knowledgeable member of our team today.