Emergency Room or Urgent Care – Where To Go After An Accident
After a car accident, it can be easy to become overwhelmed by the situation. The shock and adrenaline that sets in can cloud your judgment and make it difficult to think clearly about what steps you should take next. Seeking medical attention is essential after any type of crash, regardless if you’re feeling pain or not. But understanding the differences between an emergency room and an urgent care center can help ensure you get the specialized treatment you need. Read on to learn more about when to visit an emergency room or urgent care center after a car accident.
How Severe Are The Injuries
For any serious or life-threatening injuries sustained from a car accident, the emergency room is the best place to go for treatment. This includes severe burns, major broken bones, severe trauma, uncontrollable bleeding and breathing difficulties. For less urgent issues related to a car crash, an urgent care center may be more appropriate. Even if you don’t believe your injuries are serious, it’s important to get checked out at an urgent care center in order to obtain medical proof for insurance purposes and any potential personal injury claim. Remember that the adrenaline of the situation can mask some more subtle issues, so it’s always best to err on the side of caution.
Wait Times
In terms of the waiting times at each type of facility, urgent care centers usually offer shorter wait times than emergency rooms. The majority of urgent care patients have a wait time of fewer than 15 minutes. On the other hand, due to its high traffic, emergency room wait times can vary greatly depending on how many people need more immediate attention than you. Additionally, many urgent care centers are open at all hours every day of the week, allowing you to seek treatment at any time. This makes them ideal for car accidents which don’t restrict themselves to business hours. The bottom line is that after a car accident it’s important to get checked out as soon as possible. Understanding the differences between an emergency room and an urgent care center can help ensure you get the specialized treatment you need in a timely manner.
Cost
One major reason many people may avoid going to the hospital or doctors’ office is because of the perceived high cost. While this can be a factor, if you plan on filing a personal injury claim against another driver, it’s important to get medical proof in order to receive compensation for any costs associated with treatment and rehab. In general, urgent care centers are a cheaper option than emergency rooms, especially if you have a high deductible insurance plan. Plus, since the wait times are usually shorter at urgent care centers, you can get treated and back on the road faster. If injuries are serious do not base getting care on costs, it is important to see a doctor for your injuries.
Conclusion
When it comes to receiving medical attention after a car accident, it’s important to know the differences between an emergency room and an urgent care center. If injuries are life-threatening, then the ER is the best option for treatment. Otherwise, an urgent care center can offer faster wait times and cheaper costs when compared to visiting the emergency room. Whether you plan to file a personal injury claim or not, seeking medical attention after an accident is essential for your health and well-being.
If you are in need of legal assistance, contact Gay and Chacker to help with your case. We can review all the details associated with the crash and advise on any potential legal remedies you may be entitled to. Contact us today for a free consultation.
