EMERGENCY ROOM OR URGENT CARE AFTER AUTO ACCIDENT?
Our car accident lawyers represent people in a crash who go to urgent care or the emergency room to get checked out.Sometimes our lawyers are asked after an accident if you should get checked out at urgent care or the ER right away.The answer? It really depends on the situation and how you are feeling at the time.
There is no real reason to get checked out by a doctor JUST because you were involved in a car accident. On the other hand, if you were injured, then of course you should go to the emergency room or urgent care.Obviously, if you may have a broken bone or you are having severe neck or back pain you should get checked out immediately.Other signs that you should get checked out right away include if you are having trouble with concentration or thinking. Likewise, difficulty standing or walking, etc.
FOCUS ON YOUR HEALTH FIRST, NOT YOUR CASE
Some people think they should get checked out by a doctor immediately after a car accident to help their case later.There is some small truth to this. An insurance company lawyer will bring up there was no immediate treatment if they are fighting your case in court. However, there are also disadvantages to going to an urgent care or emergency room.For one thing, when you go to an urgent care or emergency room after an accident, you may be there waiting a long time. In most cases, there is no harm in waiting to seeyour own doctor a day or two later.
It is not always first come first served at the ER, and they often take the people with most serious injuries first. Also, an urgent care or emergency doctor doesn’t know you and your usual health. In other words,, they will be less tuned in to how your condition has changed.Also, in many situations, the injury is not immediately obvious, Therefore, you must to see a doctor several times before you can get a real diagnosis and effective treatment.The emergency room doesn’t really start that process because you won’t be seeing that same doctor again; you will be following up with a general practice doctor or specialist.
CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS
Our lawyers do recommend that you not delay treatment if you are having pain or other symptoms after a car accident.But the treatment does not necessarily have to start within the first few hours after the crash. You can just as well schedule time with a regular doctor a few days later.If you have been involved in a Minnesota car accident, please call us and speak with a lawyer for a free consultation. We will explain your rights and make sure your interests are protected.