Shock or adrenaline can mask many of the symptoms that would normally lead someone to go to urgent care after a car accident. It’s normal to feel fine at first and start developing symptoms of a serious injury several hours or days after the crash. That’s why we always advise seeking medical care as soon as possible after a collision, even if you don’t feel injured.
However, you may wonder where to seek treatment or ask, “Should I go to the ER or urgent care after an accident?” Urgent care is best suited to treat minor injuries, such as whiplash and soft tissue injuries. It can also screen you for hidden injuries if you’re concerned about delayed symptoms. Go to urgent care after a car accident if you experience any of the following:
- Neck or back soreness
- Strains and sprains
- Mild headaches
- Small cuts with minimal bleeding
- Bruises
- General body aches
An urgent care visit can be a good option for injuries that aren’t life-threatening since they typically offer shorter wait times than emergency rooms. At the same time, they offer many of the same benefits, including walk-in availability, X-rays, and prescriptions. After you visit urgent care, the car accident lawyers at DiBella Law Injury and Accident Lawyers will be ready to assist you with the next steps in your recovery process.
When To Go to the Emergency Room After a Car Accident
Urgent care can’t treat every injury. In certain situations, immediate, specialized treatment in a hospital setting is necessary. The emergency room is better equipped to handle severe or life-threatening injuries, such as brain injuries or serious burns.
Go to the ER if you or a loved one experiences any of the following after a car accident:
- Heavy bleeding
- Chest pain
- Severe pain anywhere in the body
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Numbness or tingling
- Loss of consciousness
- Memory problems or confusion
- Sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the body
- Seizures
- Coughing up or vomiting blood
- Abdominal swelling
- Difficulty moving a body part
- Severe trauma, such as broken bones or deep cuts
Why You Shouldn’t Delay Medical Care After a Car Accident
Delaying care can allow your condition to worsen and lead to more severe complications. The recovery process can be longer and more difficult if the injury goes untreated for an extended period.
There are also legal implications to consider. The longer you wait to seek medical care, the harder it is to prove that the accident caused your injuries. The insurance company may argue that another incident or a pre-existing condition is the cause of your injuries. A prompt urgent care visit allows you to get the injuries diagnosed and documented while they’re new, which shows their direct link to the accident.
Additionally, the insurance company may use your delay in seeking medical care against you. Not going to urgent care or the ER immediately after an accident can make it seem like your injuries aren’t as bad as you claim. This can significantly decrease your compensation, especially for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. When you take your injuries seriously, others will too.
Contact the Car Accident Lawyers at DiBella Law
Your health always comes first after a car crash, and we’re here for you if you’re unsure what to do next. Get medical attention as soon as possible, and then speak with our Boston car accident lawyers. We can help you understand your legal options and act quickly to protect your rights from the insurance companies.
Call us at (617) 870-0907 or contact us online for a free consultation.