What You Should Know Before Going to the Emergency Room

In 2020, there were nearly 16,000 people who were injured in car crashes in the state of Kansas. This data, courtesy of the Kansas Department of Transportation, is a startling reminder of how many people are involved in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident daily. Understandably, you’ll want to obtain medical attention as soon as possible after an accident like this, which often means visiting the emergency room. However, there are some things you should know beforehand about what to do and what not to do when visiting the ER after an accident.

If you’d like to learn more about this or your rights in the ER, contact a personal injury attorney at GroverLawKC. Located in Overland Park, Kansas, the firm can handle cases throughout Kansas and Missouri, including Independence, Shawnee, Liberty, Olathe, and the entire Kansas City area.

Always Seek Medical Care After an Accident

Before discussing the rules for visiting the ER, it’s necessary to point out the importance of seeking medical care after an accident. Anytime you’re injured in an accident (even if your injuries are minor), you should be professionally evaluated by a doctor. Injuries sustained after an accident can take days or even weeks to present themselves fully. If you wait too long to get care, it could mean that your injuries become worse. Additionally, you’ll want to start documenting all your medical treatment as soon as possible so you’ll have evidence should you wish to file a personal injury claim.

What You Should Know Before Going to the ER

Many people want to know, “Should I go to the ER after an accident?” but the answer isn’t always easy. Of course, if you’re in immediate need of medical attention, you should go to the ER right away. However, it may be okay to wait a day or two to see your doctor or a specialist for more minor injuries. If you do decide to visit the ER, keep these tips in mind:

Communicate All Your Injuries and Pain

Anytime you visit a doctor, especially at the ER, you want to disclose everything you can. It’s essential to be 100% honest about all your symptoms and never leave anything out, even if you feel it’s only a minor symptom. Only a trained medical professional can adequately evaluate your condition for an accurate diagnosis. Furthermore, by clearly communicating all your injuries, you’ll have an accurate record to use when filing claims.

Watch What You Say

Doctors and nurses should be recording all relevant information you convey to them during your visit, including anything that has to do with your injuries or how you sustained them. Because of this, you should be careful about what you say to them regarding why an accident happened or who was at fault. This information can be helpful for your personal injury attorney to use. Still, it can also be used by the other driver’s insurance company if they’re trying to prove their policyholder wasn’t responsible for the crash.

Request Copies of Your Records

Always retain copies of your records and any documentation you receive from the ER, including charts, doctor’s notes, diagnoses, and billing statements. It’s easiest to request this at the time of your visit, but this can also be done after the fact.

Ask for Written Notes on Your Treatment Plan

If your provider suggests continuing care or an ongoing treatment plan, ask them to write it out for you and make sure you retain a copy of this. Many car accident injuries can require months or even years of rehabilitative treatments, and this means you could be visiting specialists or physical therapists long down the road. You must follow these instructions and have documentation of them to use in your claim. The treatment will add additional costs to your total damages, which should be included in your final settlement.

Read Before You Sign

Finally, be careful what you sign. Anytime you enter the ER, you’ll be asked to sign several documents that allow the medical personnel to administer treatment and submit bills for your care. Read these documents before you sign so you fully understand what you’re agreeing to. Because your injuries were sustained due to an accident caused by someone else, you shouldn’t be held liable for paying any of the costs associated with care, and this should be made clear to your provider and the hospital’s records staff.

Trusted Guidance When You Need It Most

If you’d like to speak with an experienced car accident attorney in the Overland Park, Kansas, area, including the state of Missouri, contact the team at GroverLawKC to schedule a consultation.