If you’ve been involved in an accident, it’s essential to assess your physical condition and determine if you need to seek immediate medical attention. While some injuries or symptoms might not appear immediately after an accident, they could emerge hours or even days later. This is why it’s always best to err on the side of caution.
You should visit the Emergency Room (ER) or Accident and Emergency (A&E) department immediately after an accident if you experience:
- Loss of Consciousness: Even if it’s momentary, it could indicate a head injury.
- Head Pain: Possible concussion or traumatic brain injury.
- Neck or Back Pain: Could indicate a spinal injury.
- Difficulty Breathing or Shortness of Breath: Potential internal injuries.
- Chest Pain: Could be a sign of internal injuries, rib fractures, or cardiac issues.
- Abdominal Pain or Tenderness: Potential internal injuries or internal bleeding.
- Broken Bones or Suspected Fractures.
- Cuts or Lacerations: Especially deep ones or those that won’t stop bleeding.
- Sudden or Severe Pain.
- Any Injury to the Eyes.
- Seizures.
- Changes in Mental Function: Confusion, disorientation, dizziness.
- Numbness or Weakness: Any loss of sensation.
- Ejection from a Vehicle during the Accident.
- Pregnancy: If a pregnant person is involved in an accident, even if no immediate injuries are evident, they should seek medical attention to ensure the safety of the unborn child.
- Any other Symptom that Feels Severe or Out of the Ordinary.
Even if you don’t notice any of the above symptoms, but you feel something is “off” or not right, it’s essential to see a doctor. Additionally, if the accident involved significant impact or if you have any doubt about the severity of the injuries, it’s always better to get checked out by medical professionals immediately. Remember, some injuries or symptoms might not appear until hours or days after the accident.
Lastly, always consider calling emergency services at the scene of a significant accident, as they can provide immediate care and transportation to the hospital if necessary.
