If you’ve been involved in an auto collision, you might wonder whether you should seek medical attention. While seeing a doctor is always a smart precaution after a crash, several signs may indicate you should seek emergency medical treatment ASAP.
At Winston Law Firm, we’re committed to providing the information and legal support you need to make a speedy recovery after a collision. Our Sunrise car accident lawyers are here to advise you on the steps you should take after an accident to preserve your health and your right to financial compensation.
Let’s take a closer look at the five signs you should go to the hospital after a car accident.
1.Pain
Pain is the number one indicator that you should go to the hospital after a car accident. If you’re having pain in your head, neck, back, or another part of your body, it’s best to play it safe and get checked out by a medical professional.
Left untreated, some head injuries and other conditions can lead to serious health consequences. Listening to your body and getting the treatment you need soon after an accident can prevent lasting health conditions and even save your life.
2.Other Symptoms
While pain is an important sign to look out for after a collision, you’ll also want to be aware of other symptoms you may experience. You’ll want to see a medical professional as soon as you can if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Headaches
- Discomfort when moving limbs
- Loss of physical functions
- Range of motion issues
- Trouble carrying heavy objects
If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, take it as a sign that you should go to the hospital after your car accident. Doing so can help you get the treatment you need to stay safe and healthy.
3.A Paramedic Advised You to Seek Emergency Treatment
The emergency medical team that responds to your accident is trained to identify early warning signs of serious injuries and health conditions caused by car wrecks. If a paramedic advises you to seek treatment from a hospital, you should take their recommendation seriously.
Neglecting to get the emergency care you need could make matters even worse, so it’s best to follow the recommendations of trained medical professionals. If you’re worried about being able to drive to the hospital with your injuries or if your car is totaled, the ambulance can bring you to the nearest hospital.
4.You Plan on Filing an Insurance Claim
Insurance companies are always looking for ways to deny claims and offer less compensation than the claimant deserves. One of the tactics insurers use to delegitimize valid claims is claiming that the accident victim’s injuries aren’t as serious as they claim.
To combat this tactic, you’ll want to seek medical treatment immediately after an accident, even if your injuries are mild. Seeing a doctor right away will show the insurance provider that your injuries are serious and that you need compensation to cover medical expenses and cope with your physical pain.
5.You Have a Pre-Existing Injury or Condition
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, minor injuries can worsen your condition and potentially lead to serious health outcomes. A pre-existing condition also makes you more likely to suffer serious harm in an accident.
If you have an injury or condition, you’ll want immediate medical help after a crash. A doctor can evaluate you and determine if the accident has made matters worse. If it did, your lawyer can use medical records and other forms of evidence to get the compensation you need to afford quality medical treatment.
Other Steps to Take After a Car Accident
Now that you know the main signs you should go to the hospital after a car accident, it’s time to learn about what else you should do after a crash. Take the following steps after a collision to improve your chances of making a full financial and physical recovery:
- Call 911: Calling 911 is an essential step to take after a car wreck. Emergency dispatchers can send the emergency medical personnel that you and other parties involved in the incident need to stay safe. In addition, police will respond to the crash scene and generate an accident report that your lawyer can use to seek damages.
- Exchange information: Exchanging contact information with the other driver(s) involved in the collision can give your attorney the information they need to file a winning claim on your behalf.
- Take photos: Another important step to take after an accident is photographing the scene of the collision. Taking photos of your injuries, the overall accident scene, vehicle damage, poor road conditions, and other elements can give you the evidence you need to file a strong claim.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Skilled Car Accident Lawyer
Knowing the five signs you should go to the hospital after a car accident is important if you want to protect your best interests after a wreck, but so is hiring a skilled lawyer. Our attorneys can investigate your collision, gather evidence, and file a claim to get the compensation you deserve.
At Winston Law Firm, we’re eager to provide the fierce representation you need to win your case. Since we normally keep our caseload low, we’ll be able to give your case the personalized attention it needs to be successful. You can count on us to draw on our 30+ years of experience to get the money you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and more.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and get started on your case.
