After an auto accident, go to the emergency room. Sometimes people have doubts as to whether or not it is a good idea to go to the emergency room following an accident. It is almost always a good idea so that you can begin to identify problems that may not be readily apparent from pain. You may be in shock. You may not experience pain fully.
However, you should not stop seeking medical care after going to the emergency room. The emergency room is for the purpose of resolving emergencies but not providing extended medical care. The emergency room examinations are not as comprehensive as a primary care physician will do. The emergency room physicians try to make sure that you are stabilized but do not attempt to be a substitute for ongoing primary care. The ER doctor will give you written instructions to go see another doctor.
In Florida, your no-fault, personal injury protection (PPI) insurance should pay for you to see a primary care physician after the emergency room. It will normally pay 80% of the medical bill unless you also have medical pay coverage which will pay the remainder.
Your medical needs may not become apparent right of way. For example, you may need extensive physical therapy following an accident for your neck, ribs, or spine but that may not be evident from the initial accident.
Therefore, at any time you are in a car accident, go to the emergency room and be sure to follow up with further medical care. If you don’t, the insurance company will probably take the position that you were not seriously injured.
