Serious traffic collisions can result in unexpected consequences. One recent crash involving an SUV and a tractor-trailer resulted in police shutting down several lanes on I-85 North on July 7th.
Car crashes, even relatively minor ones, can lead to significant injuries. It is paramount that you see a medical professional right away to diagnose any injuries you may have. However, in the immediate aftermath of the crash, you may wonder whether you need to make a trip to urgent care or the emergency room. If an ambulance comes out to the scene, you may have no choice where you end up, but in the event medical personnel do not arrive, you need to think ahead.
Go to an emergency room for serious injuries
An emergency room visit will generally cost more than a trip to urgent care. You will often have to contend with a longer wait, too. However, it is the better place to be if you know you have suffered from broken bones, excessive bleeding, head trauma or breathing issues. If you have less severe injuries, then you will probably be all right at urgent care. Keep in mind that you may not know the full extent of your injuries because you have adrenaline pumping through your veins, masking the pain.
Get treatment immediately
For your insurance claim, you want to show your new injuries occurred as a direct result of the car crash. That means seeing a medical professional within 24 hours of the incident. While it may seem like a major expense, you should keep in mind that your insurance company should pay for most, if not all, of the cost. Your doctor will provide you with all the paperwork you need to submit to your insurance company. It may seem like an inconvenience in the moment to go to the emergency room, but it will help in the long run.
