After a car accident, you’re dazed and confused.

What in the world just happened to me? How did I even end up in this situation? What do I do next? Everything hurts, but I’m not sure what to do next!

These are all common thoughts that could come up after a car accident, and rightfully so. No one expects to be in a car accident. It just happens out of nowhere. 

The Difference Between Going to the ER and Urgent Care

Urgent care vs ER. 

Where should I go?

This is a personal preference. The ER has lots of people going and has an insane amount of traffic almost any time you go. However, urgent care has shorter times, on average 15 minutes or less. Depending on how severe your injuries are, urgent care may be better for you than the ER.

What also matters is the extent of your injuries. The ER should only be visited when you are truly in an emergency. Broken bones, severe bleeding, damaged internal organs etc. Anything that really compromises your life from the start of the injury, the ER should be the only option. However, anything lesser like neck pain or back from whiplash, some bruising (but still fully functional), or anything that causes pain but doesn’t impair your life, urgent care is probably the way to go. 

Should I Go To The ER After a Car Accident?

To determine the answer for this, you should assess your situation accordingly. 

If you checked your body, and you can still function fine and pain free throughout the day, then maybe the ER isn’t necessary. Going to the ER may be helpful if you are in lots of pain, but it really isn’t the best option if you have minor injuries. The chances are that you will incur a big medical bill and not enough money to cover for that huge medical bill.

However, if you ARE injured to the point that you feel debilitated, constantly hurting, or find your daily life being compromised by that injury, going to the ER or hospital is probably the right course of action. 

If you are in pain now, you don’t know much more severe it can get later on. It can get significantly worse as your body continues to be compromised. For example, although many people experience neck pain and back pain after an accident, they think it’s just simple whiplash or something minor from the shock of the accident and don’t pursue medical help. Weeks, months, and years pass by and they come to realize that the pain hasn’t gone away. They go to the hospital to get a check up and the doctors diagnose them with a herniated disc or a bulge. This isn’t uncommon, especially in Miami, and you don’t want to be the one that has a herniated disc or something worse YEARS after a car accident. 

When Is the Right Time to go to the ER?

There is no right time. 

When you are in pain and really feeling compromised from the car accident, you should go to the ER and get your injuries treated or at least diagnosed. This way, you can have a clear idea of what your injuries are and how to deal with them. 

By waiting out and trying to find the perfect time to go, you may actually lose your right to file these injuries under the car accident to your insurance company and it may actually be a huge back step for you. 

But wait, what are people waiting for then? 

Well in most cases, people are so worried about the medical bill and other financial problems that may occur, that they choose to not treat their injuries. However, if you can win your case against the other driver, your medical bills can be financially compensated. 

Proof of injury such as pictures and receipts of the medical bills can aid in winning your financial compensation for the injuries you sustained. 

Contacting a Personal Injury Lawyer in FLL Accident Lawyers

If you are still confused as to how to approach your injuries, consult the legal guidance of a personal injury lawyer from FLL Accident Lawyers. 

We start you with a free consultation to know what you are dealing with. Once we see your situation, we will start gathering proof and evidence to build you a strong case. 

Remember, we don’t win until YOU win.