You just experienced a car accident and are frightened and shaken. However, despite the damage to your car, you don’t feel pain. You may wonder, “Should I go to urgent care after a car accident?” In the first few moments after a crash, the adrenaline rush can mask injuries and pain. Therefore, even if you are not experiencing discomfort or pain immediately after a car crash, consider visiting urgent care immediately.
However, if you are in extreme pain, bleeding heavily, or believe you may suffer from a significant injury, call an ambulance, or get someone to drive you to the emergency room. Emergency rooms are better equipped to deal with more severe car accident injuries than urgent care.
At Morgan & Morgan, we know that the consequences of a car accident injury can haunt you for years physically, emotionally, and financially. However, you deserve justice and compensation if another caused your car crash. Contact us now for a free case evaluation to determine whether you qualify for compensation.
Your Next Best Steps After a Car Crash
After a car crash, taking the necessary steps to protect yourself, your passengers, and your legal rights can be crucial.
Assess Your Injuries and Dial 911
Your health and safety should always be your top priority. After the accident, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Call 911 and request an ambulance and law enforcement if anyone is hurt. Wait for the police to arrive at the scene. If you have no pain or only minor injuries, consider visiting urgent care to seek medical attention immediately. Do not skip this step, as some injuries may not be apparent after the crash.
Exchange Information
While you wait, exchange information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident, including:
- Name
- Contact information
- License plate number
- Insurance details
This information will be crucial when filing a claim with your insurance company or if you need to take legal action.
Document the Scene and Gather Evidence
If possible, take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to the vehicles involved, road conditions, and any relevant landmarks. Such photographs can help support your insurance claim. Also, note the witnesses’ contact information, as their testimony can be essential if your case goes to court.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company promptly to report the accident. They will guide you through the claims process and provide you with instructions on what to do next. Providing your insurer with the necessary information helps avoid delays in processing your claim.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
Working with an attorney may be in your best interests if you suffer injuries or significant car damage. Morgan & Morgan can help you learn about your legal rights and options for recovering compensation. Our experienced car accident lawyers can negotiate with insurance companies and, if the insurer refuses a fair settlement, take your case to court.
How Visiting Urgent Care Can Benefit Car Accident Victims
Going to urgent care after a car accident can be an excellent idea. Urgent care facilities can provide vital medical assistance after a car accident, especially if you suffer minor to moderate injuries that do not require emergency room care. Urgent care can also supply the medical records necessary for your insurance claim or lawsuit. The benefits of visiting urgent care after a car accident include the following:
Seeing You Without Appointment
One significant benefit of urgent care is that car accident victims can be seen by medical professionals without an appointment. This is particularly helpful when victims cannot get an immediate appointment with their primary care physician. Moreover, urgent care clinics often have extended hours, allowing car accident victims to receive medical help outside regular business hours.
Discover Underlying Accident Injuries
While you may feel fine immediately following an accident, it is always better to get yourself thoroughly checked and rule out any underlying injuries. According to the Mayo Clinic, signs of a traumatic brain injury, a typical car crash injury, may only appear days or weeks later. Urgent care facilities can identify and treat such injuries before they get worse. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help you recover in the fastest time.
Provide Crucial Legal Documentation
Medical bills after a car accident can ruin your financial stability unless you can recover an insurance payout or hold the responsible party legally accountable for your expenses. Seeking medical help and gathering documentation of your injuries immediately after a crash is vital for pursuing compensation, whether you are filing an insurance claim or lawsuit. Remember to keep all receipts and medical records the urgent care clinic provides.
If you are wondering whether you should go to urgent care after a car accident, the answer is a resounding yes. Waiting too long for medical assistance could sink your insurance claim or lawsuit.