Alaska Car Accident Injuries That Require Emergency Care
Car accidents are among the leading causes of death in the US and across Alaska, but you might be surprised at how many people suffer serious injuries in crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that over 2.28 million people are hurt in motor vehicle collisions every year, compared to 38,000 fatalities. If you were one of them, you will probably begin to feel the excruciating pain from the moment you feel the impact of a car accident.
There is a lot of chaos in the aftermath of a crash, so it is hard to make decisions about the medical treatment you need. You might weigh heading to the ER, which is a wise move if you suffered certain types of injuries. Proper medical treatment is essential to start the healing process, but it also supports your rights. You should consult with an Alaska car accident attorney about key legal issues, and check out a helpful overview.
Head to the ER for Auto Crash Injuries
In some cases, the decision about treatment will be made for you when first responders transport you to the emergency room. When the choice is up to you, it is important to consider whether the ER is necessary, always leaning on the side of caution. In general, you should seek emergency treatment for life-threatening, critical injuries, such as:
- Injuries to internal organs;
- Excessive bleeding or spurting blood;
- Loss of consciousness or memory;
- Lacerations and cuts from embedded metal or other debris;
- Severe burns on the face or covering a large percentage of the body;
- Spinal cord injuries that affect mobility or feeling;
- Penetrating head injuries; and,
- Amputation or near-amputation.
Even if you do not suffer from one of these serious, catastrophic injuries that require emergency treatment, all car accident injuries require same-day care. You could visit an urgent care center or your own doctor, as long as you do it right away.
Why Medical Attention is Critical
Your health and well-being must be a priority after a car accident, and seeking appropriate treatment supports your medical needs. Health care providers will diagnose the specific nature of your injuries, so you can get on the path to recovery right away.
However, getting proper medical care will also be important when you pursue your legal remedies. The process involves filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, followed by litigation if the insurer will not agree to pay a fair amount.
If you fail to get proper medical treatment, you are telling the insurance company or jury that you were not hurt badly. Your damages could be significantly reduced.
Count on an Alaska Car Accident Lawyer for Help
As you can see, medical treatment is crucial for your health and your legal interests when pursuing a claim. For more information about the process, please contact Power & Power Law by calling 907-222-9990 or visiting us online. We can set up a free case review with an Anchorage auto crash attorney who can provide additional details on medical care after an accident.