The one question that almost every driver who has been involved in a car accident gets asked is if they want to be taken to the emergency room for treatment of their injuries. Although it sounds like a simple, routine question, it is actually more complicated than you may realize.
How do I know what kind of medical help I need after a car accident?
On one hand, an unwarranted visit to the hospital is an absolute waste of both money and time, especially when all you want to do is go home. On the other hand, not seeking prompt medical attention for your injuries is a good way to give the person liable for your accident a solid “out” when it comes to compensating you for the damages they caused by making the argument that since you failed to get immediate care, you contributed to the severity of your own injuries.
If you were seriously injured in a Virginia Beach car accident, please seek timely medical assistance. Then contact the experienced Virginia Beach car accident lawyers at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to find out what legal avenues are available to you. Call us today to schedule your free consultation.
Doctor’s Office or Emergency Room: Where Should You Go?
While admitting yourself to the emergency room is not always strictly necessary, anyone involved in a car accident should be evaluated promptly by a licensed medical professional as soon as possible. In some instances, it is clear that the victim needs to go to the hospital right away. This includes scenarios in which the victim is:
- Unconscious
- Bleeding profusely
- Has obvious injuries that demand medical care such as deep lacerations, visible head trauma, or broken bones
There are many other situations in which victims should also consider going to the emergency room, including:
- You hit your head or have other reason to believe you sustained a brain injury. Symptoms to be aware of include memory loss, confusion, and an inability to stay awake
- You are unable to feel or unable to move your extremities, even if the loss of control is temporary
- You are unable to decide if you need to go to the emergency room or make a doctor’s appointment. Err on the side of caution.
- If you do not have a primary care doctor with whom you can follow up
If there are no noticeable injuries that necessitate emergency care, there is no reason to suspect a spinal cord injury or brain injury, and you have a primary care doctor, making an appointment might be more prudent. If possible, the appointment should be made on the day of the accident or as close to it as you can manage.
What Should I Say During My Medical Evaluation?
When you get to your doctor’s office or the emergency room, give the nurse or attending physician a full account of how the accident happened. Keep to the facts and refrain from giving estimates and measurements. If you are unclear about how it happened, it is okay to tell them you were involved in a car accident but you do not recall the details because it happened so fast.
Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp
If you ever have questions about what to do after a Virginia Beach car accident, contact the experienced Virginia Beach car accident attorneys at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp for experienced counsel and reliable guidance. We can advise you on the steps you should take in order to ensure your legal rights and your ability to pursue financial compensation are protected. Call us at (833) 997-1774 or reach out online to schedule your free consultation. We are located in Virginia Beach with satellite offices in Hampton, Portsmouth, and Norfolk.