Should I Call an Ambulance After a Car Crash?
After a car crash, sometimes an immediate question is whether or not to call an ambulance. Seeking care from an ambulance team, urgent care center, or family doctor is essential for your health and for ensuring proper documentation if you decide to take legal action. Even if you don’t feel pain right away, recognize that the adrenaline and shock of the accident can mask serious injuries that may not become apparent until later.
If another driver caused the crash by breaking traffic laws, such as speeding, running a red light, or driving under the influence, they can be held accountable both legally and financially for your injuries. Talk to a Clearwater criminal lawyer about next steps.
When to Call for Emergency Care
In some cases, calling an ambulance immediately is the best course of action. Here are some situations where you should definitely dial 911.
- Severe injuries. If anyone involved in the accident is bleeding heavily, experiencing chest pain, has difficulty breathing, or is unconscious, you should call an ambulance right away. These are signs of potentially life-threatening injuries that require immediate medical attention.
- Neck, back, or head pain. Injuries to the neck, back, or head may not be obvious at first, but they can be serious. If you feel any pain or discomfort in these areas after an accident, it’s better to err on the side of caution and call an ambulance. Spinal injuries, for instance, can worsen without proper care.
- Loss of movement. When an accident victim experiences numbness, tingling, or an inability to move a limb, this could indicate a serious injury that requires an assessment from a healthcare team.
- Confusion or dizziness. Being disoriented, dizzy, or confused after the accident needs to be taken seriously as these could be signs of a concussion or other brain injury. It’s important to get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible.
Even if your injuries seem minor, calling an ambulance can provide the peace of mind that you’ve been evaluated by a trained professional at the scene.
Others find that because they are not experiencing severe symptoms, visiting an urgent care center or scheduling a visit with your family doctor is appropriate. Minor injuries, such as sprains, bruises, or mild whiplash, can often be treated effectively in these settings.
Holding the Responsible Driver Accountable
A skilled Clearwater criminal lawyer can help you build a case against the at-fault driver, especially if their violation of traffic laws was involved. In addition to holding the responsible driver legally accountable, your attorney can also help you seek financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. This can be especially important if your injuries require long-term care or result in significant financial burdens.
Will it be possible for you to recover damages? The legal team at King Law Group can help you hold a negligent driver accountable and recover the compensation you need. Whether it’s proving their traffic violation, negotiating with insurance companies, or both, having legal support can make all the difference. Schedule your confidential consultation today.
