A short trip to the movies is rudely cut short when you are rear-ended. You suffer minor cuts and bruises but otherwise feel fine. You and the other driver exchange contact and insurance information, but neither of you bothers to call the police. Both of you get into your vehicles and drive home.
Following an accident in which you sustain minor injuries, you may be confused about whether you should seek medical attention. In short, you should always be examined by a physician following an accident to ensure that no serious injuries were missed.
In this blog, our South Carolina car accident attorneys discuss the different types of medical care that you should pursue based on the severity of your injuries.
When To Visit the ER
If paramedics were called to the scene, even if you sustained minor injuries, you would most likely be brought to the emergency room (ER). Even if paramedics are not called, you may still want to go to the ER if you are experiencing any of the following since these are signs of a spinal cord injury:
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Loss of movement
- Difficulty breathing
- Exaggerated reflexes or spasms
- Loss of sensation, including the ability to feel hot and cold
- Pain or an intense stinging sensation
If you have any other life-threatening injuries, such as chest pain, uncontrollable bleeding, paralysis, numbness, slurred speech, or fainting, you should also go to the ER. Upon examination, an ER physician will order any necessary imaging to determine the scope of the injury.
When to Visit Urgent Care
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should go directly to urgent care:
- Fractures
- Sprains
- Strains
- Cuts
- Bruises
- Non-severe headaches
If you feel that you should have been seen by a doctor on the day of your accident but only suffered minor bumps and bruises, you should consider going to an urgent care center. Urgent care facilities have more open flexibility, with many accepting walk-ins.
Urgent care centers have two major drawbacks:
- With the flexibility of being seen, many urgent care centers have long wait times.
- Unlike your primary care doctor, an urgent care physician does not know your past medical history. It is important that you provide a current medication list to avoid any drug interactions. If you know of any allergies, you should tell the physician that as well.
When to Visit Your Primary Care Physician
If you suffered no injuries or only some cuts, scrapes, and bruises, you could likely schedule an appointment with your primary care physician, or PCP. If you are unsure where you should go following an accident, you could call your physician’s office and ask for their opinion. Be sure to explain that you were in a car accident, your physical injuries, and any symptoms you are experiencing.
If your physician agrees that you can wait to be seen, then go ahead and schedule an appointment with them. Be sure to prepare for your appointment, making a list of your medical concerns. Your PCP will conduct a physical exam, asking you to move in a variety of ways. If something hurts or you experience any discomfort, be sure to let them know. Your doctor’s notes can be used as evidence in your car accident claim.
Not all primary care doctors are willing to evaluate car accident victims. If your PCP refuses to see you, then you should call our South Carolina car accident attorneys. We can assist you in finding a treating physician, or even set up the appointment for you.
Consult with our Skilled South Carolina Car Accident Attorneys Today
Anyone who suffers injuries following a car accident may be confused about what type of medical treatment they should receive. If you have recently been in a crash, our South Carolina car accident attorneys are available to help you in filing a claim. To schedule an appointment with an attorney, contact us by phone or by completing our online intake form.