Should You Visit the Emergency Room after an Auto Accident?

Apr 13,2017

Sometimes the signs that you should visit the emergency room after an auto accident are obvious—you’re bleeding, have broken bones or are suffering with a massive headache. However, some injuries do not manifest immediately after a crash. This might lead you to believe you don’t need to go to the hospital or doctor’s office.

The reality is adrenaline and endorphins released during a high-intensity event like a car accident can block pain signals. This can cause you to believe you are fine when you have actually been injured. In addition, some injuries like whiplash and other soft tissue injuries manifest days or even weeks after a crash.

Go to the Emergency Room for Injuries Needing Immediate Attention

You should always go to the emergency room after an auto accident if you are suffering from any severe injuries. If you require immediate medical attention, an ambulance or helicopter can transport you to an ER. These facilities also have access to specialists, scans such as MRIs and X-rays, full-service diagnostic tests, and pharmaceuticals.

Get Checked at the Doctor’s Office for Non-Emergency Injuries

If you don’t have any severe medical problems that need to be addressed immediately, you might consider seeking care from your primary care doctor or an urgent care facility. These centers cost less than ER, and you can still get assessed and treated quickly. They can also transfer you to the ER later if necessary.

Seek Medical Attention Sooner than Later

If you’ve been in an auto accident, it’s always best to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If there is even a small chance that you have a personal injury claim, you need to be assessed by a doctor soon after your crash. Waiting until your symptoms worsen might end up prolonging your recovery. Additionally, your personal injury case won’t be as strong if you don’t seek medical treatment right away.

“There is a lot of force involved in an auto accident, whether it’s a fender-bender or a big rig crash. It’s always best to be seen by a medical professional right away if you are involved in an accident,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.