When Oklahoma motorists get involved in car accidents, every second matters. While some accidents are nothing more than minor fender-benders, others have the power to impact the lives of the motorist and their family for years to come. It’s easy to become so overwhelmed by everything going on in the moments after a car accident, so it can help to know what really happens after the dust settles.
Seeking medical attention
When adrenaline is pumping, it’s easy to think that you’re fine and don’t need medical care. However, it’s a good idea to get checked out no matter how minor you believe the car accidents was. Some dangerous injuries don’t present until later, and seeing a physician right away can prevent potential complications.
What to expect in the ER
Emergency rooms operate on a triage system, which means that people who are severely injured receive medical care before people with minor scrapes and bruises. If you are not seriously injured in an accident, you may have to wait for quite some time before your examination, but it’s worth the wait. Not only is it safer to get checked out, but having a medical exam on file is also important for future insurance claims.
Be aware of possible injuries
There are more than 6 million car accidents every year in the United States. While many of these accidents cause injuries that are obvious immediately, others lead to injuries that don’t present themselves until some time has passed. If you have been in a car accident, be sure to keep an eye out for symptoms of:
- Head injuries
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Abdominal injuries
The moments after a car accident are chaotic. It’s important that you remain calm so that you know what to do next.