Should I Go To The ER After A Car Accident?

The ER caters to life-threatening emergencies and complex medical issues requiring advanced treatment, such as severe chest pain, stroke symptoms, or major injuries. In contrast, Urgent Care centers handle less critical issues such as minor cuts, fractures, or soft tissue injuries.

The ER operates 24/7 and is equipped for extensive medical emergencies. Urgent Care provides timely care for less severe health concerns during broader but more limited hours. Additionally, urgent care is more convenient and cost-effective for non-life-threatening injuries.

If you suspect you have whiplash after a car accident, you may need to go to the ER or seek medical attention, depending on how severe your whiplash injury is. While whiplash can sometimes be a minor injury, it can also lead to more serious complications. Plus, whiplash often has delayed symptoms that show up days and sometimes weeks after a crash. 

The ER can provide a thorough evaluation to rule out more serious injuries such as fractures, spinal damage, or traumatic brain injuries. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when dealing with potential neck or spinal injuries.

Other injuries that can have delayed symptoms include: 

• Concussion and traumatic brain injuries: Symptoms such as confusion, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, headaches, dizziness, and mood changes might not appear immediately after the injury. In some cases, symptoms can develop days or even weeks later.
• Soft tissue injuries: Injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, often referred to as strains or sprains, can have delayed pain and swelling. This is common in the back and shoulders after a car accident.
• Internal bleeding: This can be life-threatening and may not be immediately obvious. Symptoms such as pain, swelling, deep bruising, dizziness, and fainting can emerge as the bleeding continues.
• Spinal cord injuries: Symptoms such as weakness, numbness, loss of coordination, or paralysis can develop gradually as swelling or bleeding affects the spinal cord.
• Herniated discs: The symptoms of a herniated disc, including back pain, numbness, and weakness in the limbs, may not be immediate and can develop as the condition worsens over time.

It's best to go to the ER as soon as possible after a car accident, especially if you have pain, discomfort, or any symptoms that indicate a serious condition. Some serious injuries, such as internal bleeding or concussions, may not be immediately apparent.

Even if you feel fine right after a car accident, it's best to be evaluated by a doctor promptly. Delaying medical attention can be detrimental to your health and the success of your claim.

When is it too late to go to the ER after a car accident?

It's never truly "too late" to go to the ER after a car accident. However, it's always best to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a car accident. Immediate medical evaluation can detect issues that might not yet be symptomatic. This ensures timely treatment and helps establish a clear link between your injury and the car accident you were in.

What are the types of tests and treatment you can get at ER?

In the ER, you can access several tests and treatments for serious and life-threatening injuries. These include:

• Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds.
• Physical examination to assess vital signs, and external and internal injuries.
• Blood tests to check for internal bleeding, blood cell counts, and organ function.
• Neurological tests to check for brain function.
• Administration of pain relief medication.
• Wound care such as cleaning, stitching, or dressing wounds or lacerations.
• Stabilization treatments such as splints or casts for broken bones or sprains.

ER visits provide immediate medical documentation of your injuries, which can be beneficial to your car accident claim. This documentation is crucial as it establishes a direct link between the car accident and your injuries. It also makes it harder for insurance companies to dispute the cause of your injuries.

Additionally, a thorough medical assessment ensures that all injuries, including those with delayed symptoms, are identified and documented. This comprehensive evaluation is important for establishing the extent and nature of your injuries in your claim.

Getting car accident compensation isn’t an easy process. You’ll need to gather adequate evidence to support your claim, deal with insurance companies, and negotiate for a fair settlement. A Law.com Premier Attorney can do it all for you, so you can focus on your recovery.

They’ll investigate your crash and communicate with insurance companies. Plus, they’ll fight to maximize your compensation through a settlement, and if necessary, a court verdict.

It won’t cost you any money upfront. That’s because our Premier Lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis. They only get paid if they win your case. If they’re not able to secure compensation on your behalf, then you don’t owe anything. Plus, consultations are free. To get started, contact a lawyer near you.