Should I Go to the ER After a Car Accident

A doctor holding a paper with a question mark on it and pointing to her left represents an answer to the question of whether the reader should go to the ER after a car accident.

The decision about whether you should go to the emergency room (ER) after a car accident in Florida generally comes down to the severity of your injuries. If you experienced severe bodily harm due to the effects of a wreck, it‘s a good idea to call an ambulance or have someone drive you to the nearest ER. However, in some cases, you may be able to visit an urgent care facility or even your primary care doctor. Once you seek medical care in Florida, you can get additional help from a Jacksonville car accident lawyer to determine if you are eligible for compensation.

When Should You Go to the ER After an Accident?

Many people experience disorientation after a car accident in Florida. You may feel unsure of what steps to take after a collision, even wondering if you need immediate medical care. If you sustained a minor injury or one more severe, personal injury lawyers recommend seeking healthcare services. It is recommended to visit an ER if you experience a life-threatening injury. Common injuries that lead to hospitalization include:

Broken bones
Severe burns
New or worsened pain
Breathing difficulties
Uncontrollable bleeding from deep lacerations
Any form of severe trauma
Internal organ damage
Nerve damage
Spinal injury

You should seek emergency medical treatment if you experience any form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) or other head trauma during the accident. While not always immediately apparent, TBIs can significantly affect your health if you do not receive fast treatment.

What Treatments Can You Get at an ER After a Car Accident?

An emergency room can offer many different treatments for injuries following a car accident. Because of its more advanced medical equipment, an ER can provide many different services, including diagnostic testing, surgical intervention, comprehensive evaluations, and more. Severe injuries can occur in even minor car accidents. If you believe you have devastating injuries, it is always best to seek immediate and emergent care. Internal injuries are much harder to detect than external injuries, so an ER visit may be the best option.

Can You Go to Urgent Care Instead of the ER After a Car Accident?

Should you go to the ER after a car accident, or can you visit a different kind of medical facility, like urgent care? Sometimes, going to an urgent care center for treatment can be more effective than visiting an ER. Urgent care facilities provide medical treatment for less severe injuries associated with a car accident. For example, medical professionals at urgent care may help with a sprain, minor cut, or even whiplash. Remember that you are not alone if you sustain damages in a car accident. According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Department (FLHSMV), over 165,000 people were injured in 2023 alone. Many of these individuals sought medical care.

How Long After a Car Accident Can You Go to the Hospital in Florida?

You can head to a hospital immediately after a collision in Florida. An ambulance may even take you directly from the accident scene to the ER for treatment if you have serious injuries. However, some people do not realize they were hurt in the immediate aftermath of a collision. Adrenaline and the confusion of the accident may prevent you from noticing pain from an injury. In this situation, seek medical evaluation as soon as possible. Getting treatment helps to establish that the accident caused your injuries. In addition, insurance companies and legal teams often look at the dates on medical records when determining whether an individual qualifies for compensation in Florida.

How Long do You Have to Wait for Treatment at an ER?

Many people wonder how long they’ll have to wait when deciding whether to go to the ER after a car accident. Unfortunately, wait times can vary significantly based on the number of patients the hospital is treating and the relative severity of each patient’s injuries. For instance, if the ER is handling multiple critical cases, such as trauma or life-threatening conditions, patients with less severe injuries may experience longer wait times. Similarly, you may encounter a wait when visiting an urgent care facility. However, many urgent care centers are known for providing quicker service than the ER. While you may be seen faster, urgent care facilities often offer fewer medical services and may not be equipped to handle more serious injuries. They are typically limited to treating minor injuries like cuts, scrapes, and mild bruising rather than more complex trauma.

How Much does It Cost to Go to the ER After a Car Accident?

Many people worry about medical expenses if they go to the ER. Unfortunately, Healthcare treatments can become incredibly expensive in Florida, especially if you go directly to the emergency room. A personal injury lawyer can help recover these costs. However, after a collision, you may receive funds to cover your ER expenses and the rest of your medical care. Florida’s car insurance requirements prompt drivers to carry out policies that can address their losses from their insurance carriers. In fact, you may receive funds directly from your insurance company in some cases to cover your medical bills. Do not hesitate to seek medical care due to worries about cost, as delaying can make it harder for a lawyer to show the accident led to your injuries.

What Happens if Insurance doesn’t Cover an ER Visit in Florida?

Should you go to the emergency room after a car accident if you’re worried about insurance coverage? The answer is a clear yes. If you’ve sustained critical injuries, it’s crucial to seek medical treatment immediately, regardless of your financial concerns. Delaying care can lead to serious complications, making prompt attention vital for your health. Drivers who experience severe injuries, such as those resulting in permanent damage or loss of a limb, may qualify to file a personal injury claim against the at–fault party. This legal action can help recover medical expenses and other damages, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing your health above all else. You can work with a lawyer to discuss all options for a personal injury claim to cover your ER expenses following a car wreck in Florida. An attorney can help with how fault is determined after a car accident in Florida.

Speak to Us After Going to the ER for Car Accident Injuries

You can contact a law firm in Florida if you’re wondering if you should go to the ER after a car accident. A lawyer can advise you and help you review options to secure compensation so you can Come Back Stronger. Medical expenses from an ER visit can become costly, even with medical insurance coverage. Our dedicated team of personal injury lawyers stands ready to help you file a personal injury claim and recover compensation for your losses following a car accident.