Emergency Treatment Options After a Car Accident
On the scene of an accident, all planning goes out the window. Foreseeing the accident itself is impossible, of course, but knowing your options in advance can help.
It is commonly assumed that being hurt in a car accident requires a trip to the emergency room. In cases of severe injury, in fact, that is the only option. If an accident victim is unconscious or otherwise unable to make a decision about their care, an ambulance will automatically transport them to a nearby hospital.
If you are in a position to make the call, however, there are a few options.
Urgent Care
The prevalence of urgent care centers has eased congestion in traditional emergency rooms and given patients another option when they need to be seen by a doctor without having to wait for an appointment. In addition to sore throats and earaches, common ailments treated at urgent care facilities include broken bones, lacerations, or suspected concussions. These non-life-threatening conditions can be assessed and treated easily and relatively quickly. Medical test and prescriptions can be ordered if necessary. But usually, these orders are filled at another facility, often at a later date.
Primary Care Physician or Specialist
The option to consult with your primary care physician is dependent upon the office policy and hours. You may have to make an appointment to see the doctor, who may or may not have on-site testing equipment or prescription filling capabilities. While it is your choice to see a specialist for a particular injury resulting from your car accident, it may be a lengthy wait before you can be seen in the office.
In the aftermath of an accident, putting off consultation with a healthcare professional can be a bad move. A timely evaluation is always best. If necessary, you can always follow-up with a specialist.
Hospital Emergency Room
Even with other options available, the emergency room may still be your best bet. The staff there are highly trained and experienced in responding to accident victims with thorough injury evaluations and life-saving treatment for serious trauma. Most hospitals have radiology machines and other testing equipment on hand and a pharmacy on site.
Saving Now Costs Later
Unfortunately, some people feel the need to take their budget into consideration and prioritize saving a co-pay over their health. This practice can be doubly misguided. Getting an initial evaluation is vital to your health and also to your ability to seek compensation for your injuries through a personal injury lawsuit.
If your budget is a concern for an initial visit, just think of the financial impact of ongoing treatment if you miss the opportunity to prove to the car insurance companies that your injuries were the result of your accident.
Highland Park Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr Recover Compensation for Injured Accident Victims
If you were injured in a car accident, the Highland Park car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr can help you recover compensation for your injuries. Schedule a free consultation by calling 877-249-4600 or 732-537-8570 to reach us at our Highland Park, New Jersey office or contact us online. We represent clients in New Brunswick, Somerset, Piscataway, Edison, South River, Sayreville, Metuchen, East Brunswick, South Plainfield, Fords, Middlesex, Old Bridge, Iselin, Bound Brook, Perth Amboy, and Colonia.
