Car accidents can be frightening and chaotic experiences. Even if you feel okay immediately afterward, it’s important to consider whether you should seek medical attention, particularly at an emergency room. In Alberta, ensuring your health and legal rights are protected after a car crash is essential. This blog will explore the reasons why going to the emergency room after a car accident can be crucial and how a personal injury lawyer in Calgary or Edmonton can help you navigate the legal process if you’ve been injured.
Why You Should Go to the Emergency Room After a Car Accident
While not every car accident leads to serious injuries, many people suffer from delayed symptoms that may not appear right away. Even a seemingly minor crash can result in hidden injuries, which is why it’s often advisable to visit an emergency room. Here are some key reasons to do so:
- Detecting Hidden Injuries:
Car accidents can cause injuries that aren’t immediately noticeable. Injuries like whiplash, concussions, internal bleeding, or spinal injuries can develop hours or even days after the crash. A medical professional can identify these issues early and recommend appropriate treatment. - Medical Documentation for Legal Claims:
If you decide to file a personal injury claim, having medical records from your visit to the emergency room is essential. In Alberta, proving that your injuries are related to the car crash is critical for receiving compensation. An emergency room visit creates a record that links your injuries to the accident, which can strengthen your legal case. - Meeting Legal Deadlines:
Alberta’s insurance system follows a tort-based model, meaning that you need to prove that the other driver was at fault and that your injuries are directly related to the accident. You also need to meet specific timelines when filing claims. The Minor Injury Regulation sets limits on compensation for certain injuries. Going to the emergency room immediately after the accident ensures you meet the required documentation deadlines and have a clear medical history to support your case.
Symptoms to Watch For After a Car Accident
Even if you don’t feel hurt right away, some symptoms could indicate a more serious injury. If you experience any of the following after a car crash, you should seek medical attention immediately:
- Neck or back pain: These could be signs of whiplash or a spinal injury.
- Headaches or dizziness: These could indicate a concussion or traumatic brain injury.
- Abdominal pain: This could be a sign of internal bleeding, which may not be immediately obvious.
- Numbness or tingling: This could point to nerve damage or a herniated disc.
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain: These could suggest a rib injury or lung damage.
Legal Implications of Seeking Medical Care
In addition to protecting your health, going to the emergency room after a car crash has important legal implications. Alberta law requires that injuries and damages be thoroughly documented when filing a claim for compensation. Here’s how medical care impacts your claim:
- Establishing the Severity of Your Injuries:
If you delay medical treatment, insurance companies may argue that your injuries are not severe or that they were caused by something other than the car crash. Visiting the emergency room promptly ensures that the extent of your injuries is documented and linked to the accident. - Strengthening Your Personal Injury Claim:
Whether you are dealing with your own insurance or the at-fault driver’s insurance, having a detailed medical record is key to building a strong personal injury claim. Without this documentation, you may have difficulty proving the connection between the accident and your injuries, which could affect the amount of compensation you receive. - Dealing with Insurance Companies:
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims. They may argue that your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim if you don’t seek immediate medical attention. A personal injury lawyer in Calgary or Edmonton can help you navigate these challenges, but your case will be stronger if you have a record of seeking medical care right after the accident.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Calgary, Edmonton or anywhere in Alberta, a personal injury lawyer can assist you in several ways:
- Assessing Your Case: A lawyer can review your medical records and other evidence to determine the strength of your case and estimate how much compensation you may be entitled to.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Personal injury lawyers are experienced in dealing with insurance companies that try to minimize their payouts. A lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Handling Legal Paperwork: Filing a personal injury claim involves a lot of paperwork, deadlines, and legal requirements. A personal injury lawyer will handle this for you, ensuring that your claim is filed correctly and on time.
Conclusion
Visiting the emergency room after a car accident, even if you don’t immediately feel injured, is crucial for both your health and your personal injury claim. Hidden injuries can develop over time, and early medical intervention can prevent complications down the road. Additionally, documenting your injuries is essential for pursuing compensation in Alberta’s legal system.
If you’ve been involved in a car crash and are unsure about your next steps, a personal injury lawyer in Calgary or Edmonton can guide you through the process. They’ll help you understand your rights and work to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
For more information, or to discuss your case, contact a personal injury lawyer at www.theaccidentlawyers.ca for a consultation today.