Being hospitalized after a car crash is a stressful and overwhelming experience. From accessing the medical care you need to dealing with insurance companies, the aftermath of a car accident can feel like uncharted territory. So, what should you do if you’ve been hospitalized after a car crash?
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
The first and most crucial step after a car crash is to seek immediate medical care, even if you feel fine initially. Adrenaline can mask symptoms of severe injuries like internal bleeding, concussions, or fractures. If you’ve been transported to the hospital after a car accident, medical professionals will assess your condition and provide the necessary treatment. Remember, your health and safety are the top priority. Typical car accident injuries that require hospitalization include:
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Head trauma
- Whiplash
Failing to seek medical care promptly can jeopardize your health and make it harder to prove the extent of your injuries if you seek compensation later.
Document Your Injuries
Documenting your injuries during your hospital stay will be essential, not only to understand a proper course of treatment for your injuries but to help your attorney fight for your rights should you pursue legal recourse. Keep copies of your medical records, including:
- Emergency room reports
- X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans
- Treatment plans
- Notes from your physicians
Photographs of visible injuries and detailed notes about how you feel physically and emotionally can also strengthen your case. These records will be pivotal if you must negotiate with insurance companies or file a personal injury lawsuit.
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Understand Who Pays for Medical Expenses
A significant concern for many accident victims is, “If I go to the hospital after a car accident, who pays?” The cost of an emergency room visit after a car accident can be substantial, often running into thousands of dollars. The answer depends on your insurance coverage and the circumstances of the crash. Here are a few scenarios:
- Your Auto Insurance – If you have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or MedPay coverage, these policies will cover some of your medical bills, regardless of who was at fault.
- The At-Fault Driver’s Insurance – If another driver caused the accident, their liability insurance might cover your medical expenses. However, this often requires negotiating with insurance companies.
- Health Insurance – In some cases, your health insurance may pay for treatment initially, but they may seek reimbursement if you receive compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance. It’s important to understand this process to manage your financial responsibilities effectively.
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Consult an Accident Lawyer
If you’ve ever been in a car accident, you know your highest priority is getting better. But dealing with a physical injury while also going through the Tennessee justice system to hold the at-fault driver accountable can be overwhelming – which is where an experienced personal injury attorney can help. When you work with an experienced personal injury lawyer, the lawyer can:
- Assess your case
- Help you gather evidence, including medical records and accident reports
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
- Fight for fair compensation for your injuries, including pain and suffering.
Having a legal team in your corner can significantly ease your stress and improve your chances of a favorable outcome.
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Monitor Your Health Post-Hospitalization
Your recovery doesn’t end once you leave the hospital. In addition to following your doctor’s precise instructions for a proper treatment protocol, pay attention to what’s known as “secondary symptoms,” which often manifest after the accident. Examples of secondary symptoms of car crash injuries include:
- Persistent headaches
- Dizziness
- Abdominal pain (a potential sign of internal bleeding)
- Emotional distress
These secondary symptoms are often indicative of much more serious injuries than may have been assessed initially. Documenting these injuries is not only crucial for your doctor to update your treatment protocol but will also be essential in your ongoing fight for justice for your injuries. In short, the more you tell your doctor and your attorney about your issues, the more metaphorical ammunition they have to fight on your behalf.
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Communicate Carefully with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are not always on your side, even if they appear sympathetic. Their goal is often to minimize payouts, so you should avoid discussing details of your injuries or accepting a settlement offer without consulting an accident lawyer first.
When dealing with insurance companies, stick to the facts and let your legal team handle negotiations whenever possible. Even the slightest word can jeopardize, if not outright destroy, your case against them, so it’s best to have an experienced personal injury attorney to speak on your behalf.
Seek Compensation for Your Losses
If you’ve been hospitalized in a car crash due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to seek compensation. Common types of damage include:
- Medical Expenses – Compensation for hospital bills, emergency room visits, ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and other necessary medical treatments
- Lost Wages – Compensation for income lost due to your inability to work
- Pain and Suffering – Non-economic damages for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident
An experienced car accident lawyer will evaluate your case and fight to recover the compensation you deserve.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Recovering from a car crash is a long road, both physically and financially. Without proper legal representation, you risk being undercompensated for your accident injury. A skilled personal injury lawyer will handle every aspect of your case, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies so that you can focus on healing.
If you or a loved one was hospitalized after a car crash, you don’t have to go through this challenging time alone. The Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC team is here to help. With years of experience handling car accident injury cases, our legal team will fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (901) 526-2126 for a free consultation, and let us work together to take the first step toward getting your life back on track.