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In the aftermath of a car accident, you may wonder what to do. Should you go to the hospital? Why or why not?
The car accident attorneys in Beaufort at Schiller & Hamilton provide insight and guidance about going to the hospital after a car accident.
When Should You Go to the Hospital After a Car Accident?
You should go to the hospital after a car accident if there is any chance that you are hurt. Even severe injuries may not show symptoms immediately after a car accident. In addition, injuries of any severity should be documented with medical care and treated promptly.
Signs You Should Go to the Hospital After a Car Accident
Here are some signs that you should go to the hospital after a car accident:
- You feel pain: Pain is a sign that the body is injured. It may be a response to car accident trauma.
- Difficulty breathing: Trouble breathing after a car accident may be the result of damage to internal organs and systems, spine trauma, shock or psychological injury.
- Loss of consciousness: If you lose consciousness at any time because of a car accident, you should seek medical attention to evaluate head trauma.
- Vomiting: Nausea and vomiting may be a sign of internal injury or concussion.
- Confusion, dizziness: Concussion can result from a car accident because of shaking or blunt trauma to the head. Symptoms vary significantly and may include difficulty processing information, trouble concentrating, sensitivity to light and blurred vision.
- Numbness: Numbness following a car accident may indicate nerve damage or compression. Prompt treatment can prevent further injury.
- Bruising: Visible bruising may be a sign of internal injury.
- Vehicle damage: When a car accident results in significant vehicle damage, there is a higher chance that vehicle occupants or pedestrians are injured, too.
- High-speed impact: A car accident occurring at a high speed is more likely to produce serious injuries.
Reasons to Seek Emergency Care After a Car Accident
Here are some reasons you should seek emergency care after a car accident:
Masked injuries
A surge of adrenaline following a car accident can hide injuries. Even severe injuries may not show symptoms right after a crash.
Some injuries require stabilization to prevent further harm. The victim may not be able to correctly gauge the nature or extent of injuries.
Treatment and healing
The hospital treatment that a person receives following a car accident can shorten their healing time. Professional attention to diagnose and treat injuries can help a person heal faster than they might without care. A victim can receive guidance on how to self-care for injuries, prescriptions, mobility assistance and other care that may promote healing.
Documenting injuries
Getting fairly compensated for a car accident requires determining the extent of injuries. Emergency care after a car accident is the best way to establish and document your injuries.
Through their examination, professionals create a record that includes tests, evaluations and diagnoses. These records can prove critical to claiming the compensation that you deserve following a car accident.
Insurance may require it
PIP (personal injury protection) insurance is optional in South Carolina. If you have it, there may be a time limit to seeing a doctor.
In addition, the longer you wait to seek medical treatment, the more likely insurance is to question your damages and the value of your claim.
Going to the ER After a Car Accident
When you arrive in the emergency room, they will assess the severity of your injuries. A triage nurse will check your vitals. They will prioritize your case by the severity of your injuries so that everyone can receive timely treatment.
If you can complete a registration process, it can help care providers access your records and receive your consent for care. If you’re taken immediately for care, others will assist you with this process.
What do hospitals do for people injured in a car accident?
Things that a hospital may do when you are injured in a car accident include:
- Examination
- Tests, X-rays and scans to diagnose injuries
- Surgery, including measures for internal injuries and bleeding
- Stabilizing broken bones and the spine
- Administer fluids and medication
- Referrals to specialists
- Give you instructions for follow-up care
Hospital care providers work to stabilize your injuries, prevent additional injury and begin healing. They identify and diagnose injuries and create a care plan.
How Do You Get Hospital Bills Paid After a Car Accident?
While it is important to go to the hospital after a car accident, it comes with a cost. You may wonder how you get hospital bills paid after a car accident.
In South Carolina, the party responsible for a car accident is liable to pay damages. You may seek compensation through their insurance or a legal claim. In addition, you may have PIP insurance or uninsured/underinsured compensation that may cover hospital bills. You may also use your health insurance.
While the party at fault for the car accident is responsible for paying damages, you must bring a claim. Save any treatment records or bills you receive including dates of treatment and services rendered.
Hospital bills are one part of a claim for compensation. You may seek compensation for the complete cost of medical care, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, mental injury, emotional anguish and other losses from the car accident.
Call Our Car Accident Attorneys — We Do Hospital Visits
At Schiller & Hamilton, we know how devastating a car accident can be. We also know that you need help paying your medical bills.
Our attorneys can visit you in a hospital, rehabilitation facility or at home while you recover from your injuries. During our visit, we can discuss the specifics of your case, including the cost of hospitalization and how you may receive compensation.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident, go to the hospital first. Then, call Schiller & Hamilton. We help people get compensated for hospital bills and other car accident damages. Contact us today.