Should I always go to the hospital after a car accident?

Have you and/or a loved one been in a car accident recently? If the accident was more than just a minor fender bender, you may be injured. However, when you think your injuries are minor, you question whether or not to go to the hospital. 

If there is any possibility you are injured in any way, it is your best course of action to seek medical attention as quickly as possible after the car accident occurs. Visit your primary care physician, local urgent care facility, or go to a nearby emergency department. 

The severity of your injury or injuries will help determine where you should seek care following the accident.

When to Go to the Hospital After a Car Accident

Hospitals are best when dealing with severe, debilitating, and/or life-threatening injuries that need immediate attention. You’ll want to head to the hospital after a car accident for severe injuries such as:

• Broken or fractured bones or ribs
• Internal bleeding
• Traumatic brain injuries

For aches and pains, stiffness, and similar minor injuries, you likely do not need to visit the hospital. Rather, make an appointment with your primary care doctor or another doctor that you can visit fairly quickly. You don’t want to wait around for anything to get worse.

Broken bones or ribs, internal bleeding, traumatic brain injuries, and beyond require immediate medical attention at an emergency room (ER) at the hospital nearest the accident. At the ER, you can receive quick treatment and diagnosis.

While a trip to the ER may seem like an expensive route, it is your best bet to make sure that you are treated properly and quickly. Through the other routes, you may experience longer waits. As long as you are not responsible for more than 50% of the accident, you can claim compensation for all of the costs related to the hospital visit and/or ongoing treatment.

Why Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Car accidents can result in “hidden” injuries, such as internal bleeding, concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and more. Many of these injuries require evaluation and diagnosis from a medical professional. When they go untreated, they can become life-threatening.

Some injuries may seem minor and small at the beginning but can worsen over time. Without documentation of your condition and diagnosis immediately following the accident, you may not qualify for full compensation of the injury and all related costs. 

Proper documentation of all medical attention that you’ve received is crucial to receiving the full settlement you deserve. You will need a doctor’s written testimony and documentation of any prescriptions, equipment needed for recovery, therapy, treatment, and beyond.

Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer to Recover Damages

If you’ve incurred severe damages after a car accident, you need the help of a Atlanta car accident lawyer to get the compensation you are entitled to by law. Unless you are responsible for more than 50% of the accident, you can file a lawsuit to recover past, present, and future damages. Common damages that can be claimed in a car accident lawsuit are:

• Property damages
• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering
• Wrongful death

Often, you will receive a less-than-satisfactory settlement from the insurance provider. Whether your car is totaled, you’re injured and unable to work, or are experiencing a lower quality of life Haug Law Group is here to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Contact Haug Law Group for Help with Your Car Accident Lawsuit

When you’re ready to file a lawsuit after a car accident, Haug Law Group is here to be by your side throughout the process. We have the experience you need to stand up to a strong defense and can help you navigate the ins and outs of this complex legal field with ease.

Send us a message now or call 1-844-428-4529 at any time to set up your free consultation with our team today!