When it comes to car accidents (including rental cars), injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe, life-threatening injuries. In some cases, seeking medical attention at an emergency room (ER) or urgent care facility may be necessary.
But what types of injuries would cause someone to go to the ER or urgent care after an Arizona car accident? And if someone does go to the ER or urgent care, could it impact their lawsuit?
Car crashes can happen anywhere in the state including the cities of Surprise, Scottsdale or Phoenix. They may also happen on big thoroughfares such as State Route 51, Loop 303 or surface roads like E. Buena Vista Rd. or E. Almeria Rd.
Injuries and Care Facilities:
It’s important to know the difference between urgent care and the emergency room. Urgent care facilities are typically for non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses, while the ER is for more severe cases.
Injuries that may require a trip to the ER after a car accident include head injuries, broken bones, severe cuts, and internal bleeding. On the other hand, injuries that may require urgent care include minor cuts and bruises, sprains, and strains.
Legal and Insurance Considerations:
If someone is injured in a car accident, seeking medical attention should be their top priority. However, it’s important to know that going to the ER or urgent care may impact their lawsuit.
The opposing party’s insurance may use the fact that someone went to the ER or urgent care as evidence that their injuries were not as severe as claimed.
It’s important to consult with a personal injury attorney to navigate legal and insurance considerations.
Key Takeaways
- Different injuries may require different levels of medical attention, with the ER being appropriate for more severe cases.
- Seeking medical attention after a car accident is important, but going to the ER or urgent care may impact a lawsuit.
- It’s important to consult with a personal injury attorney to navigate legal and insurance considerations.
Why Contact the Law Gang
If you were injured in a car accident then you deserve to be compensated. That is precisely what insurance is for and why it exists.
Yet, after a car crash or other type of accidental injury, it can be quite difficult for an every day person to get the compensation benefits they are entitled to.
After an injury there are many out of pocket expense that people need help with to include:
- Invoices from medical professionals
- Lost wages from having to take time off from work
- Transportation expense for doctor visits and appointments
- Opportunity cost of spending time on the injury
Battling the insurance companies with their lawyers is no easy task which is why you need help and should call the Law Gang today.
We will help you and can do the dirty work of negotiation and dealing with the insurance companies so you don’t have to.
No person should have to take on that battle themselves let alone try and get healthy at the same time.
Once you get your medical help then let us know as soon as possible. The Law Gang will work hard for you and will try to get the highest settlement possible to make up for your pain, suffering, missed work, doctor / chiropractor bills and other out of pocket expense.
Contact us today regardless of the type of injury you were involved in. We can help with restaurant injuries like those that happen at Denny’s or Taco Bell to car accidents with an Amazon Truck or involving Uber.
Understanding Injuries and Care Facilities
Types of Injuries for ER or Urgent Care
Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, some of which may require immediate medical attention. Some common injuries that may lead to an ER or urgent care visit include:
- Head injuries: These can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
- Spinal injuries: These can include herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, and spinal cord injuries. Symptoms may include back pain, numbness or tingling in the limbs, and difficulty moving.
- Broken bones: Car accidents (even those with UPS or Amazon trucks) can cause fractures in any part of the body, but the most common are broken arms, legs, and ribs. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected limb.
- Soft tissue injuries: These can include sprains, strains, and contusions. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected area.
Differences Between Urgent Care and the ER
Knowing when to go to the ER versus urgent care can be confusing. Urgent care centers are generally best for non-life-threatening injuries or illnesses that require prompt attention but are not severe enough to warrant an ER visit.
On the other hand, the ER is best for serious or life-threatening injuries or illnesses that require immediate medical attention.
Some differences between the two facilities include:
- Urgent care centers typically have shorter wait times and lower costs than the ER.
- The ER is equipped to handle more severe injuries and illnesses, and has access to more advanced medical equipment and specialists.
- Urgent care centers may not be open 24/7, while the ER is always open.
It’s important to note that if you’re unsure whether your injury requires an ER visit or urgent care, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and go to the ER.
The Law Gang services the entire state of Arizona to include Navajo County, Santa Cruz County and Apache Canyon.
Navigating Legal and Insurance Considerations
ER or Urgent Care on Lawsuits
After being involved in a car accident, it is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Delaying medical treatment can not only worsen your injuries but also affect your ability to file a lawsuit.
If you have been injured in a car accident and have sought medical treatment at an emergency room or urgent care, it is important to know that it can impact your lawsuit.
If you delay seeking medical treatment, the opposing party’s insurance company can argue that your injuries were not severe enough to require medical attention.
However, if you do seek medical treatment, the insurance company may argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident or that they were not severe enough to require compensation.
It is important to document your injuries and medical treatment to ensure that you receive fair compensation.
If you have been injured in a car accident, we recommend seeking the advice of a qualified attorney to help you navigate the legal process.
Perspectives on Post-Accident Medical Care
Insurance companies have a vested interest in minimizing the amount of compensation they pay out to injured parties.
If you have been injured in a car accident and seek medical treatment, the opposing party’s insurance company may try to use this against you in court.
Insurance adjusters may argue that if you did not seek medical treatment immediately after the accident, your injuries were not severe enough to require compensation.
On the other hand, if you did seek medical treatment, the insurance company may argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident or that they were not severe enough to require compensation.
It is important to remember that insurance adjusters are not on your side. They are trained to minimize the amount of compensation paid out to injured parties.
If you have been injured in a car accident, we recommend seeking the advice of a qualified attorney to help you navigate the legal and insurance process.
When to Seek Medical Attention
When you are involved in a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not show symptoms until later. In this section, we will discuss when to go to the ER after a car accident, when to visit Urgent Care after a car crash, and the potential underestimation of car accident injuries.
When to Go to the ER
If you experience any of the following symptoms after a car accident, you should go to the ER immediately:
- Severe pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe bleeding
- Broken bones
- Head injury
These symptoms could indicate serious injuries that require immediate medical attention.
It is important to remember that the longer you wait to seek medical attention, the more difficult it may be to prove that your injuries were caused by the car accident.
When to Visit Urgent Care
If you experience any of the following symptoms after a car accident, you should visit Urgent Care:
- Minor cuts or bruises
- Whiplash
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Concussion
Urgent Care can provide treatment for these injuries and refer you to a specialist if necessary. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent any potential long-term effects of these injuries.
Potential Underestimation of Car Accident Injuries
It is common for car accident injuries to be underestimated, especially if they do not show symptoms immediately.
Some injuries, such as whiplash or concussions, may not show symptoms until days or even weeks after the accident. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to ensure that all injuries are properly diagnosed and treated.
In conclusion, it is important to seek medical attention after a car accident, even if you feel fine. Knowing when to go to the ER after a car accident and when to visit Urgent Care can help ensure that you receive the proper treatment for your injuries.
Post-Accident Medical and Legal Timelines
Seeking Treatment After a Car Accident
After a car accident in Arizona, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you do not feel any pain or discomfort.
Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and delaying treatment could lead to more serious complications.
If you experience any symptoms such as pain, dizziness, or nausea after a car accident, you should go to the emergency room or urgent care immediately. Even minor injuries such as whiplash or a concussion should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Statute of Limitations
In Arizona, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims resulting from a car accident is two years from the date of the accident. However, it is important to note that delaying medical treatment could impact your ability to file a claim.
Insurance companies may argue that your injuries were not a result of the accident, or that they were not severe enough to warrant compensation.
If you wait too long to seek medical treatment, it may also be difficult to prove that your injuries were caused by the accident.
It is important to document any medical treatment you receive, including the date, time, and location of the visit, as well as any diagnoses or treatments prescribed.
Effect on Lawsuit Duration
Going to the emergency room or urgent care after a car accident will not necessarily impact the length of time it takes to resolve your lawsuit. However, it may impact the amount of compensation you receive.
Insurance companies may argue that your injuries were not severe enough to warrant compensation if you did not seek medical treatment immediately after the accident.
It is important to follow your doctor’s orders and attend all follow-up appointments and treatments.
Failing to do so could also impact the outcome of your lawsuit. It is important to be honest and upfront with your attorney about any medical treatment you receive, as well as any pre-existing conditions that may impact your case.
