Is Emergency Room Care Needed After a Bicycle Collision?
Personal Injury Lawyer
Being involved in an accident while riding a bicycle can be devastating, especially if you’re hit with a vehicle going full speed. If you are able to walk away from the accident, it is up to you to decide if your injuries warrant an emergency room visit or not. There are a few things to keep in mind when deciding if you can wait until your primary doctor is available to see you or if an urgent care facility would provide adequate care.
Urgent Care Vs Emergency Room
Emergency rooms do not require an appointment, but this can mean that many other people are trying to be seen as well. Individuals with the most urgent treatment needs therefore will be treated first. If you hit your head or suspect you have internal bleeding, feel numbness, or have severe pain anywhere, an emergency room might be your first choice.
The benefit of urgent care is that there is often less waiting time for someone to see you. As well, the cost is much less than an emergency room visit. Depending on your local urgent care facility, they have fairly comprehensive diagnostic testing available, though not as extensive as an emergency room.
If you do not have life threatening injuries but would like to be examined before your primary doctor can see you, urgent care might be a good option.
Be aware, that even if you are able to walk away from the accident, this does not mean you do not have injuries that could become worse and potentially life-threatening over a short period of time. It is always recommended to seek some care after an accident, especially if you were riding a bike where your whole body was exposed.
Aches and pains that seem minor now can become permanent disabilities, especially pains in the head, back, neck and spine.
Obtain Fair Coverage
If you were not responsible for your bicycle accident, it is vital that the other party is held accountable for your damages and injuries. Keep in mind it is better to provide the doctors and nurses who treat you with the bare minimum facts about the accident. You do not want to risk your personal injury claim if one of the health care providers remembers your comments to your disadvantage.
Working with a Canoga Park bike accident attorney can help ensure your accident is handled fairly and that the other party’s insurance company provides you with sufficient coverage for both your injuries and any lost wages that result from time away from work while recovering.
Thanks to Barry P. Goldberg for their insight into personal injury claims and bicycle accidents requiring emergency room care.