Should I Go to the Emergency Room After a Car Accident?

If you’ve been in a car accident in Louisiana, you might wonder: should I go to the ER after a car wreck? Even if you feel okay, it’s smart to get checked out. As a Louisiana personal injury lawyer, I know some injuries don’t show up right away. Seeing a doctor can help catch problems early and protect your health.

When Should You Go to the ER After a Car Wreck?

• Severe cuts or bleeding
• Broken bones or can’t move a limb
• Loss of consciousness
• Chest pain or trouble breathing
• Headaches, dizziness, or confusion
• Neck or back pain
• Abdominal pain or swelling

These signs could mean serious injuries that need immediate care.

What If You Feel Fine?

Sometimes, injuries from a car wreck don’t hurt right away. Dr. Mitchell Brien, a chiropractor in Luling, says:

“Every case is different… it’s always a good idea to go ahead and get it evaluated by someone who specializes in those types of injuries because some of those things don’t show up for days or even a week sometimes.”

Even if you don’t feel pain now, getting checked can catch hidden injuries early.

What Are the Risks of Skipping Medical Care?

Skipping medical care after a car accident can be risky—even if you feel fine at first. Some injuries, like concussions, whiplash, or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away. Without early treatment, these issues can get worse and may lead to lasting health problems.

There’s more than just your health at stake. If you wait too long to see a doctor, insurance companies might question your claim or argue your injuries aren’t related to the crash. That could make it harder to get the compensation you deserve.

Bottom line: Don’t take chances with your health or your legal rights. A quick checkup gives you peace of mind and a record of your injuries if you need it later.

ER vs. Urgent Care: Where Should You Go?

If your injuries are life-threatening, go to the ER. For less serious issues, urgent care might be enough. Urgent care can handle:

• Minor cuts or bruises
• Mild pain or swelling
• Whiplash

But remember, some injuries seem minor at first but get worse later. If you’re unsure, it’s safer to go to the ER.

Why Medical Records Matter

Seeing a doctor after a car wreck isn’t just about health. It’s also important for any insurance claims. Medical records show that your injuries came from the accident. Without them, it might be harder to get compensation.

Getting checked by a medical professional right away offers several important benefits:

• Immediate evaluation of injuries: The sooner you’re treated, the better your chances of a full recovery. Quick care can also help catch serious problems like internal bleeding or concussions that might not be obvious at first.
• Injury documentation for legal purposes: Hospitals and clinics create detailed records that prove what injuries you had, how serious they were, and what treatments you needed. This documentation is key when you’re asking insurance companies to pay for your medical bills.
• Preventing hidden injuries from getting worse: Not all injuries show up immediately after a crash. Some, like whiplash or head trauma, may take hours or days to appear. Early medical attention helps spot these issues before they become bigger problems.
• Building a strong legal case: Prompt medical care makes it clear that your injuries are directly related to the accident—not something that happened later. This connection can be vital if you need to argue your case with insurance adjusters or in court.

In short, getting medical attention quickly protects both your health and your rights after a car accident.

Worried About the Cost of Emergency Care?

One of the biggest reasons folks hesitate to visit the ER after a car wreck is the cost—especially if you don’t have health insurance. Ambulance rides and hospital bills can feel overwhelming, and it’s tempting to avoid treatment if you aren’t sure how bad your injuries are.

But your health comes first. Depending on your auto insurance, some or all of your emergency room charges could be covered. In Louisiana, for example, “med-pay” or personal injury protection in your car insurance policy may help pay for medical bills, including ER visits. If you’re not sure what your policy covers, check with your insurance company—sometimes you have more options than you think.

Also, don’t forget: seeing a doctor right away not only protects your health but can make a big difference in any future claim. If cost is holding you back, a personal injury attorney can often help negotiate your medical bills or show you resources that might help cover treatment. The most important thing is to stay safe and get the care you need.

Can You Still File an Insurance Claim If You Didn’t Go to the ER Immediately?

Yes, you can still file a claim even if you didn’t go to the emergency room right away. However, it’s important to see a healthcare professional as soon as possible after your accident. Many insurance companies have deadlines for when you must seek medical treatment to qualify for coverage. If you wait too long, the insurance adjuster might argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident.

If you haven’t seen a doctor yet, make an appointment promptly—and keep copies of all your records and bills. Acting quickly helps protect both your health and your rights.

Need Legal Help?

If you were hurt in a car accident, you might be entitled to compensation. At LJBLegal, we understand how overwhelming this time can be. We’re here to help you through the process and fight for what you deserve.

Contact us at 985-240-9773 for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story and discuss your options.