Getting into a car accident can be disorienting. You may feel confused, scared, and unsure of what to do next. In every case, even if you feel fine, it’s best to get medical care immediately after the accident.
Not all injuries are immediately apparent after an accident, and some hidden injuries can be dangerous or life-threatening if not treated promptly. Seeking prompt care can also aid in better long-term recovery.
In addition, seeking medical attention quickly can help you get compensation more easily after an accident since insurance companies are often skeptical of claimants who get treated days or longer after an accident.
Record-setting verdict attorney Chad K. Florin says, “Depending on the type of auto insurance policy you have and where you live in the United States, emergency room visits may be covered by your insurance. Regardless, when your health and well-being are at stake, it’s critical to make safety your first priority and get the medical attention you need after a car accident. You might have several legal options to help pay for medical expenses and an attorney may even be able to negotiate down your medical bills.”
Keep reading to learn when to seek medical attention, including an ER visit, after a car accident, and how hiring a lawyer can help you secure proper compensation for your injury expenses.
When To Go To The Emergency Room
Around 1.7 million people in the U.S. were injured in car accidents in 2022. For some people, however, the decision to call 911 after an accident isn’t always straightforward.
One of the most common reasons for this hesitation is cost. Without health insurance, ambulance rides and emergency room treatment costs can be tough to justify if you think you’re fine. People may also feel unsure whether seeking emergency care is necessary rather than just visiting a clinic or their personal care doctor.
Some symptoms suggest a serious medical condition that should be treated as an emergency.
Signs and symptoms requiring immediate medical attention include:
- Severe pain
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Confusion or disorientation
- Dizziness
- Vision changes
- Seizures
- Numbness or tingling
- Nausea or vomiting
Specific injuries that may require an ER visit include:
- Head trauma
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Severe burns
- Deep cuts
- Eye injuries
- Injury to the chest or stomach area
- Neck injuries
If you don’t seem hurt or only seem to have minor injuries, this doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. In the absence of life-threatening injuries, consider going to an urgent care facility or your primary care physician as soon as possible to get checked out.
When Delayed Symptoms Appear
Just because you feel okay immediately after a car accident doesn’t mean you are. Some injuries, like hairline cracks in bones, are subtle at first, requiring additional stress before they cause noticeable problems. Other injuries might be masked by your adrenaline. These delayed symptoms can appear hours, days, or even weeks after the accident.
Delayed accident injuries may include:
- Whiplash
- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Internal bleeding
- Muscle, tendon, and ligament injuries (sprains and strains)
- Herniated discs
- Delayed bone fractures
- Psychological injuries (PTSD, anxiety, etc.)
Some hidden injuries are serious or even deadly if not treated immediately, which is why it’s crucial to get a medical evaluation after a car accident, even if you feel fine. These injuries can also lead to big medical bills that insurance companies may challenge covering or flat-out refuse if you wait too long to get initial treatment.
Why You Should Seek Medical Care As Soon As Possible
There are several reasons why it’s important to seek medical care right away after a car accident, regardless of whether you’ve been seriously injured.
Some primary reasons to seek medical care immediately include:
- Immediate evaluation of Injuries: The faster medical professionals can treat your injuries, the more likely you are to recover faster and more fully.
- Injury documentation for legal purposes: Medical records are an essential part of filing a car accident injury claim, proving the extent of your injuries and how much your treatment costs so you can be compensated fairly.
- Preventing worsening of hidden injuries: Injuries like internal bleeding and concussions may not be obvious right after the accident, but such untreated injuries can quickly become serious. Getting early medical care can help catch these conditions.
- Building a strong legal case: Getting prompt medical care helps tie your injuries directly to the accident and suggests that your injuries were serious. This can be crucial for justifying your compensation amount if you pursue insurance coverage and/or compensation from third parties.
If you don’t believe you need emergency care, you can still visit an urgent care center, your doctor, or another qualified medical facility as soon as possible after your accident.
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Benefits Of Hiring A Lawyer After Being In A Car Accident
After getting into a car accident and seeking necessary medical care, your auto insurance will require you to file a car accident claim to get coverage for accident-related property damage, medical bill reimbursement, and potentially other losses.
Attorney Chad Florin advises, “While you can seek compensation without an attorney, hiring a car accident lawyer can be critical for winning a successful claim, especially if your case is complex, the other party is disputing the facts, or you were badly injured.”
Even in more straightforward cases, hiring a lawyer provides several benefits.
Lawyers can help with:
- Navigating the legal process: Lawyers can help you handle the complexities of filing a claim, including understanding insurance policies and negotiating with insurance companies. This helps ensure that you’re following legal procedures correctly, not saying anything that might cost you compensation, and not being taken advantage of by insurers.
- Maximizing compensation: A lawyer will also make sure all your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses like pain and suffering are accounted for when considering how much compensation you demand. They know how to gather evidence and argue on your behalf for these damages.
- Expert legal advice: It’s easy to become overwhelmed or to not be aware of all your legal options after a car accident. An experienced attorney can guide you through your options and make recommendations based on your unique circumstances. This will help you make the most informed and effective decisions for your case.
- Peace of mind: Having the ability to focus on your recovery instead of a high-stress car accident claim should not be discounted. Knowing that you have an expert in your corner guiding you through the process and doing the heavy lifting can grant you tremendous peace of mind when you need it most.
At Florin|Roebig law firm, our car accident lawyers have extensive experience, winning an average of more than $1 million per case for their clients. We can help individuals file a personal injury claim or dispute a claim that has been wrongfully denied or undervalued by an insurance company.
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Florin|Roebig has been providing legal assistance for accident victims for more than 35 years. Over that time, the firm’s experienced attorneys have won more than $1 billion in total compensation and have beat records for the largest compensation amounts in several courts.
With yearly recognition from “US News and World Report” and “Best Lawyers in America” as one of the “Best Law Firms in America,” Florin|Roebig is dedicated to providing excellent representation to get its clients the compensation they truly deserve.
What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:
It’s important to do some preparation to get the most out of your free consultation. This will help your attorney assess your car accident case more accurately.
During your consultation, bring:
- Evidence and documentation: Gather your police report, any medical documentation, photos or video of the accident, and other evidence of your losses.
- Insurance information: Have access to information about your insurance coverage and any communication you’ve had with your or the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
- Witness information: Provide witness contact information and statements if you have any.
- Accident-related correspondence: Provide any emails, letters, or other communication you’ve had with your insurer, witnesses, or any other relevant parties to the accident.
You can expect the following during your consultation:
- The case review: You’ll be asked detailed questions about your accident, injuries, and how the incident has affected your life so the attorney can get a better idea of the scope of your case.
- Legal advice: After the initial case review, the attorney will advise you on your rights, the likelihood of a successful claim, how much your case might be worth, and other details.
- Strategy discussion: If you seem to have a case that would be a good fit for the law firm, the lawyer will go over strategies you could take to receive compensation, such as pursuing a settlement.
- Fee discussion: The attorney should go over how costs work (usually a contingency fee) and what percentage they’ll take, as well as other expenses that may be involved if you choose to work with them.
The car accident lawyers of Florin|Roebig can protect your legal rights to coverage after an auto accident and help you get the compensation you may be owed.
We can walk you through the steps of submitting your auto insurance claim and, if necessary, help you dispute the claim to ensure you’re given the payment you’re entitled to under available insurance policies.
If you or a loved one has been in an accident, don’t wait to seek medical care. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our award-winning personal injury attorneys to discuss your legal options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About ER Visits After a Car Accident
Do I need to go to the ER even if I feel fine?
It’s best to go to the ER immediately after an accident even if you feel fine because some serious injuries might not be apparent until later. However, if you’re not experiencing any warning symptoms of a more serious injury, at least get a medical evaluation at an urgent care center or another medical facility as soon as possible.
How long do I have to see a doctor after an accident?
Even if you don’t have any serious symptoms, it’s best to see a doctor as soon as possible—at least within 72 hours of the accident.
Will my insurance cover the ER visit?
It’s common for insurance to cover ER visits after an accident, but policies vary. Regardless, don’t let a lack of coverage stop you from getting emergency care you may need.
Legal Concerns Related to Car Accident Injuries
What if the other driver is uninsured?
You may need to rely on your own insurance to cover expenses. Depending on the details of your case, you may also be able to seek compensation directly from the uninsured driver.
Can I still file a claim if I didn’t go to the ER right away?
Yes. However, insurance policies often have deadlines that you have to seek initial medical care by to receive coverage, so it’s important to get care from a qualified medical professional as early as you can.
Other Relevant Questions
How long does it take to settle a car accident claim?
It can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months or even longer to settle a claim depending on how complex the case is and how cooperative the opposing parties are.
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How to Get Help from Florin|Roebig Attorneys
Florin|Roebig specializes in providing gold-standard representation for car accident victims. The law firm has represented clients in several high-profile record-breaking car accident cases over the course of its 35+ year history, such as a $42 million jury verdict in Florida—the largest injury verdict in Florida that year.
If you are interested in seeking legal help from our team, you can contact our offices to schedule an appointment.
- Our website, florinroebig.com, has an option for requesting more information.
- You can call our phone number 24/7
- For more information regarding our services and free consultations, you can email us at [email protected]
- Or you can reach us at an office near you
It’s absolutely essential to seek immediate medical attention after a car accident, even if you think you’re okay. Many injuries don’t present themselves until later and can cause further complications if they’re not treated right away. You also risk losing compensation by not getting treatment promptly.
If you were injured in a car accident, seek legal assistance. Florin|Roebig attorneys are standing by to help you explore your legal options and to assist you in getting proper compensation to cover your medical bills and other expenses. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation.
