Should I Go to The Emergency Room or Urgent Care After an Accident?
Where you go to treat your injuries after an accident will primarily depend on the type and severity of your injury and the circumstances of the accident. For instance, if an ambulance or 911 was called to the scene of the accident, you might probably end up in the emergency room. You could also find yourself airlifted to the nearest emergency room if you get seriously injured in the middle of a horrendous traffic jam or a remote location.
If you have a choice, however, whether you decide to head to an urgent care clinic or the emergency room, you must seek medical attention right away if you get injured in an accident. Doing so will help ensure that you get proper and prompt treatment and increase your chances of recovering maximum compensation for your losses should you file a claim against the liable party that caused your injuries.
After getting medical help, you should consider discussing your case with our New York personal injury attorney to determine if you have a claim against the party that injured you and how you can pursue compensation for your injuries and related damages.
When You Should Head to The Emergency Room After an Accident
Head to the emergency room immediately if you’re experiencing restricted movement, severe pain, or loss of consciousness. If you have major wounds or lacerations, excessive bleeding, or burns, going to the emergency room is also advised. In addition, if you suffered any injury to your head, neck, or back or feel that you have a fracture, go to the emergency room right away. Put simply, if you have a life-threatening injury or an injury that requires prompt and specialized treatment, an emergency room is your best bet.
If you seek medical treatment in an urgent care clinic, there’s a chance that it might not be equipped with specific medical equipment and staffed with specialists required for diagnosing and treating serious and life-changing injuries.
When to Head to An Urgent Care Clinic After an Accident
Urgent care clinics are meant for people who have minor injuries that require prompt treatment. These injuries usually include minor and superficial sprains, bruises, scrapes, and lacerations. Treatment in these facilities is less expensive than in emergency rooms. However, due to the lack of resources and special equipment that emergency rooms have, certain injuries might go undetected and, therefore, not treated or improperly treated in an urgent care clinic.
In addition, some urgent care clinics may refuse to treat you, and they have a legal right to do so. With this in mind, heading to the nearest emergency room after an accident may be best because it can’t legally refuse to treat you except under certain circumstances.
Consult With a Skilled New York Personal Injury Attorney
At Steve Foley Law Firm, our New York personal injury attorneys are dedicated to helping injured accident victims get their lives back on track by securing maximum compensation for the losses they incurred in an accident. To explore your legal options after getting in an accident, schedule your free consultation with our New York personal injury attorney by contacting us online or calling 716-249-2222.