If you are involved in a car accident, there are certain steps you should take to ensure your safety and the safety of others check out these 6 Reasons Why You Should go to the ER After a Car Accident.
Most importantly, consider going to the Emergency Room (ER) to avoid any accident-related injury from escalating.
Many people assume that they only need to go if they’re severely injured, but this isn’t always the case.
If you’ve been in a car accident, it’s important to know when to go to the ER.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident and are in need of an Uber or a Lyft accident lawyer with proven results in the field, the Los Angeles Personal injury team may be able to help.
Here are six reasons why you should go to the ER after a car accident:
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Table of Contents
Head or Neck Injuries
Neck and head injuries are among the worst injuries following a car accident.
Head injuries are especially dangerous because so much is susceptible to damage – your head, your brain, spinal cord, etc.
Head trauma can lead to paralysis, coma, and even death.
Seeing a doctor right away can help prevent further injury.
Chest or Abdominal Injuries
Chest and abdominal injuries are also very serious after an accident because they could cause continued internal bleeding or other issues that you wouldn’t be able to see immediately post-accident.
The sudden impact of the accident may bruise internal organs, which will need treatment immediately to ensure no further damage (and avoid pain).
Be sure to tell the ER staff about any pain you’re feeling in these areas so they can properly assess and treat you.
Emotional Trauma
Even if you don’t think you’ve been injured, it’s important to seek medical attention after a car accident.
People often don’t realize they’ve sustained an injury until later on – such as emotional trauma.
Immediately following an accident, it’s common to feel overwhelmed, scared and stressed.
All of these feelings can take a toll on your body and affect your health in the long run if left untreated.
You’re Uninjured, But the Other Driver is
If you’re not injured but the other driver is, it’s important to go to the ER.
People often think that if they’re not injured, there’s no need to go.
However, if the other driver is injured, you may be liable for their medical expenses.
Even if you don’t think you were at fault for the accident, it’s best to err on the side of caution and go to the ER.
You’re Tired or Drowsy
If you’ve been driving for a long time or have been drinking prior to the accident, it’s important to go to the ER.
Drowsiness and fatigue are common symptoms after an accident and can exacerbate any injuries you have.
Similarly, if you’re feeling drowsy or tired post-accident, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention because these symptoms can also worsen any underlying conditions.
There’s Blood or Other Fluids
If blood or other fluids are coming from your body, it’s important to go to the ER.
This could be a sign of a more serious injury that needs immediate attention.
Even if the injury doesn’t seem severe, it’s always best to go to the ER.
Preventive Measures to Take After an Accident
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, remember to do the following:
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Stay Calm and Assess Your Condition
After an accident, it’s natural to feel panic and stress; however, this will only make any injuries worse if allowed to progress.
Try your best to keep calm and assess your condition – don’t try to move if you’re injured, and call for help if necessary.
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Call 911
If you’re injured, call 911 immediately.
If you’re not injured, but the other driver is, still call 911 so they can assess the situation and provide medical assistance if necessary.
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Exchange Information with the Other Driver
Ensure you exchange information with the other driver including your name, phone number, and insurance information.
This will help if there are any future complications or injuries.
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Seek Legal Assistance
Many people fail to seek medical treatment after an accident because their deductible is too high for them to afford.
However, people should still go to the ER to ensure there’s no further damage.
A personal injury attorney can help you get reasonable compensation from the insurance company to cover your medical expenses.
Summing Up
If you’ve gotten into a car accident, you may feel scared, confused, and you may not know what you should do next.
However, you should visit the ER and be assessed by a medical professional, whether or not you have been injured.
