Essential Guide to Urgent Care After Car Accident Injuries

Determining whether to seek medical attention at an urgent care clinic or an emergency room (ER) after a car accident largely depends on the severity of your injuries. 

It is highly recommended that you seek treatment even if you sustain minor injuries. Delaying medical attention can worsen injuries and prolong recovery time. Learn more about the differences between urgent care and the emergency room in our blog below. 

Understanding Car Accident Injuries

Car accident victims may sustain the following types of injuries: 

• Soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash and sprains
• Broken bones and fractures
• Spinal cord injuries
• Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injury
• Internal injuries, such as internal bleeding and organ damage
• Cuts and lacerations

Should I See a Doctor Even If I Have Minor Injuries? 

Even in minor car accidents, such as fender benders, seeking medical attention immediately is crucial. 

Many car accident victims experience an adrenaline surge, which can mask pain and injury symptoms immediately following the incident. 

For example, conditions like whiplash—a neck injury resulting from rapid back-and-forth movement—may not manifest symptoms until hours or even days later. Common symptoms of whiplash include neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.

Even low-speed collisions, such as a rear-end accident at 10 mph, can lead to injuries like pinched nerves or whiplash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that rear-end collisions are a common cause of whiplash injuries.

Urgent Care vs. Emergency Room 

When to Opt for Urgent Care

Urgent care centers are designed for non-life-threatening injuries. They provide immediate medical attention for conditions that require prompt care but are not severe enough to warrant an ER visit. 

Urgent care centers typically have shorter wait times and lower costs. 

When to Opt for the Emergency Room

Emergency rooms are equipped to handle life-threatening medical emergencies. Got to an emergency room if you experience:

• Severe injuries: Such as fractures with bone protrusion, significant head trauma, or deep wounds.
• Chest pain: Which could indicate a heart attack.
• Difficulty breathing: Or shortness of breath. 
• Loss of consciousness: This could indicate a head injury. 

What You Need to Know About Going to Urgent Care

If you sustain non-life-threatening injuries in a car accident, there are many benefits of visiting an urgent care facility. 

Time to See a Doctor 

One major benefit of urgent care centers is the shorter waiting time compared to emergency rooms. Although wait times differ based on location and patient volume, many urgent care patients are seen in under 20 minutes. 

ERs prioritize patients based on the severity of their condition, which can lead to longer waits for those with moderate injuries.

Cost 

Urgent care visits are significantly more affordable than emergency room visits. A 2016 study revealed that patients with identical diagnoses paid roughly ten times more at an emergency room than at an urgent care facility, with the average emergency room visit costing around $2,500. 

Hours

Most urgent care centers are open seven days a week and have extended hours, making them accessible for unexpected injuries outside of regular business hours. This flexibility guarantees that individuals receive prompt medical attention without requiring an appointment. 

When You Get to Urgent Care 

If you can, bring the following with you: 

• Photo ID: Such as a driver’s license or passport.
• Insurance information: Such as an insurance card. 
• Credit card or cash: For any co-pays or fees due at the time of service.

Follow Up

After receiving medical treatment from an urgent care clinic, follow the doctor’s recommended treatment plan and make appointments to see specialists if needed. 

For example, if you are experiencing emotional trauma following a car accident, seek the help of a mental health professional. 

If you are uncertain about a diagnosis or treatment plan, you may want to get a second opinion. 

What You Need to Know About Going to the ER

Immediate Medical Attention 

If first responders, such as paramedics or police officers, advise you to take an ambulance to the ER, you should follow their recommendation. They assess the situation to determine if immediate medical intervention is necessary. 

ERs are equipped to handle injuries requiring immediate surgical intervention. At an ER, you will have access to advanced medical technology and specialized teams who are trained in surgery, cardiology, orthopedics, neurology, and more. 

ER Personnel and Their Roles

In the ER, a team of medical professionals collaborates to assess and treat your injuries. This team typically includes:

• Emergency Medicine Physicians: Doctors specializing in acute care who evaluate and manage emergency conditions.
• Nurses: Registered nurses who provide direct care, monitor vital signs, and assist in procedures.
• Physician Assistants (PAs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs): Licensed practitioners who can perform examinations, order tests, and prescribe medications under the supervision of physicians.
• Specialists: Depending on your injuries, specialists such as surgeons or neurologists may be consulted. 

Assessment and Documentation of Injuries

Upon arrival, it’s essential to clearly communicate all areas of discomfort, even if they seem minor. Some injuries may not manifest immediate symptoms but can develop complications later. 

Comprehensive documentation ensures all injuries are recorded, which is vital for both medical treatment and potential insurance claims.

Navigating Administrative Procedures

During the admission process, you’ll need to complete various forms. Pay close attention to:

• Insurance Information: Confirm that the hospital will bill your health insurance directly. Be aware that some ERs, especially those managed by private entities, may have separate billing practices, leading to unexpected charges. 
• Consent Forms: Understand the documents you’re signing, particularly those related to treatment and financial responsibility.

Post-ER Care and Follow-Up

Emergency rooms stabilize patients. After treatment, you may be discharged with instructions to follow up with your primary care physician or a specialist. Adhering to the doctor’s recommendations is vital for ongoing recovery and for keeping accurate medical records. 

Cost 

The average emergency room visit costs $2,715 in the United States. The amount you owe will ultimately depend on the type of treatment and tests you receive and if you have insurance. 

To understand ER visit costs, here are four types of charges that appear on each bill: 

• Triage fees
• Facility fees
• Professional fees
• Supplies and medication 

Delayed Medical Care: What to Do

If you did not get medical care immediately after your car accident, don’t panic. Experiencing a car accident can be a traumatic event, and it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. 

Here is what to do if you sustained car accident injuries but have not sought treatment yet:

1. Seek medical care as soon as possible: Even if you don’t have visible injuries, go to urgent care or see your doctor as soon as possible. 
2. Follow their recommended treatment plan: After receiving medical care, follow treatment and maintain detailed records of all care, medications, and follow-up appointments. 
3. Talk to an attorney: Given the complexities involved in personal injury claims, especially when medical care is delayed, speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney can provide valuable insight. 
4. Know the statute of limitations: In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means you have a limited time to file a lawsuit. 
5. Understand the impact on insurance claims: Insurance companies may scrutinize the timing of medical treatment when evaluating claims. Do not answer their questions before speaking with an attorney.

Speak to an Orange County Car Accident Lawyer

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident and don’t know if you should go to the emergency room or urgent care, speak with our Orange County car accident lawyer as soon as possible for legal advice. Our attorneys can advise you on the best course of action to take to protect your rights and well-being. 

Our car accident attorneys work on a strict contingency fee basis, meaning you are not responsible for any upfront legal fees unless we win your case. For a free, no-obligation consultation, call us at (800) 719-9779.