5 Things You Need to Know About Going to The Emergency Room After an Accident in NYC

Posted in Personal Injury on June 16, 2021

New York City emergency rooms are usually very busy. Each year, millions of people visit emergency rooms for injuries and illnesses. Accidental injuries are one of the most common reasons people go to the emergency room.

Accidental injuries may result from a variety of situations, such as:

However, the need for emergency medical care may also result from an assault, dog bites, medical malpractice, or a defective product.

Whether you go to the emergency room on your own or you are transported to the ER by ambulance, there are some things you should know about being treated for accident injuries in an emergency room.

Five Things to Remember About Emergency Room Visits and Accidents in New York City

When seeking emergency medical care after an accident, remember to:

1. Report All Symptoms You Experience to Doctors and Staff Members

You should report all symptoms to the medical staff and the doctor, even if you believe a minor symptom. A minor ache or pain could be an indication of a serious injury. If you develop additional symptoms or the symptoms worsen, you want a record of your initial complaints.

Furthermore, your doctor needs to know all your symptoms to make a correct diagnosis. It is much more difficult for an insurance company or legal team to argue that the accident did not cause your injuries if you reported injury symptoms when you sought emergency medical care.

2. Be Prepared for the Cost

The cost of emergency room care is high. You will receive a bill from the hospital. If your injuries were caused by a motor vehicle accident, your PIP insurance might pay a portion of the ER bill. You may also want to file a claim with your health insurance company.

If another party caused your injury, that party might be responsible for the cost of your medical care. However, you will not receive reimbursement for medical expenses until you settle your personal injury case. Talk to an accident attorney about ways you can handle expensive emergency room bills after an accident.

3. Read Everything Before You Sign Documents

The hospital will give you numerous documents to sign when you seek treatment at the ER. You should read each document carefully. If your injuries prevent you from reading and understanding the forms, ask the person to wait until you have a clear mind to read the forms. If you have questions, seek legal counsel as soon as possible.

4. Be Careful What You Say

Everything you say may be recorded in your medical records, including statements regarding the accident. Do not admit fault for the cause of the accident or your injuries. Instead, keep your conversation directed on your injuries and symptoms. It is best to give direct, straightforward answers to questions.

If you admit any fault for the cause of the accident, your compensation for a personal injury claim could be reduced. New York’s contributory negligence laws reduce your damages to account for your percentage of fault for the accident.

5. Keep Follow Up Appointments

Make sure that you follow the written instructions you receive from the emergency room. Also, you need to follow up with your physicians and stick with the treatment plan for your injuries.

Failing to follow the treatment plan or seek medical care could hurt your chance of recovering compensation for your injuries. An insurance company might argue that you caused your injuries to be more severe because you failed to follow your doctor’s treatment plan. Do not give the other party a reason to deny your injury claim or undervalue your damages.

What Should I Do After an Accident?

After receiving medical care for your injuries, you might want to talk with a personal injury lawyer about your legal rights.

If another party caused your injuries, you could receive compensation for damages, including:

Past and future cost of medical care and treatment
Past and future loss of income, including decreases in your earning potential
The cost of personal care or assistance with activities of daily living
Disfigurement, permanent impairments, scarring, and disabilities
Emotional, physical, and mental pain and suffering
Loss of enjoyment of life and a decrease in your quality of life

The facts and circumstances of your case determine how much your personal injury claim is worth. However, do not expect the insurance provider to provide an accurate value for your damages. Insurance companies try to pay as little as possible to settle personal injury claims.

If you are unsure what damages you are entitled to receive, talk with a personal injury lawyer before signing any documents or accepting a settlement offer.

Contact Our New York Personal Injury Law Firm of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers

If you need legal assistance, contact the NYC personal injury lawyers at Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation.

We have two convenient locations in New York:

Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers – New York City Office
450 7th Ave #409
New York, NY 10123
(212) 564-2800
Open 24 hours

Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers – Brooklyn Office
26 Court St Suite 2511
Brooklyn, NY 11242
(718) 802-1600
Open 24 hours