After a vehicle collision, even one involving a semi-truck, you may not notice an injury. Without any obvious broken bones, lacerations, or contusions, you’ll feel very lucky.
However, as an experienced California truck accident attorney team in San Luis Obispo, we know that looks can be deceiving. Just because you don’t have immediate evidence of any injuries doesn’t mean you aren’t injured.
If you’ve recently been in a truck accident in San Luis Obispo and you have questions regarding how to pay for your injury costs or want legal representation on a claim, you can speak to a knowledgeable lawyer from the Ernst Law Group. Call our office at (805) 678-0272 or contact us online to discuss your case at no cost to you during a free, no-obligation consultation.
After you have been in a truck accident, get a medical exam as soon as you can. If you are seriously hurt, the nearest hospital emergency department (ER) is your only option.
If you think you might have no injuries or just minor injuries, you should still receive a comprehensive exam at your primary care physician’s office, an urgent care clinic, or another care provider near you.
Arriving at the Hospital
If you go to the hospital immediately after your accident, you will do intake through the emergency department.
A medical professional will check you in and ask about the reason for your visit. A triage nurse will take your vitals and assess your condition. If your injuries are severe, you will be seen by a doctor fairly quickly. If not, you will be asked to wait until the next doctor is available. Speak up if you begin to feel your condition worsening while you wait.
Receiving Medical Care
Each case is unique. That being said, you can expect the doctor in charge of your care to do what it takes to diagnose you properly. This may include a physical examination, imaging, blood work, and more. If the ER doctor does not believe that your injuries require emergency care, they may refer you to your family physician for follow-up care. Make sure that you follow this recommendation.
After You Have Been Discharged
Once you have been discharged from the hospital – or your primary care doctor – start keeping track of all your documents. Save medical papers, bills, pictures, discharge information, and anything else you receive from the hospital, your doctor, or the pharmacist.
Keep all of this paperwork together, as you may need it to prove your damages in an insurance claim or perhaps even in court.
Don’t Talk About Your Accident
Whether you are speaking with the doctor in the emergency room or your best friend, stick to the facts. Share details such as the date, how many vehicles were involved, and the weather conditions.
It’s generally not a good idea to share your opinion, take the blame, or exaggerate the incident. Just like in criminal court, anything you say can be used against you in your personal injury case.
Delaying Medical Attention Can Cost You
Now, let’s talk about the person who doesn’t believe they were hurt in their accident and fails to seek medical attention. This person can walk away from the scene of the accident without a scratch and return home.
They carry on with their day, albeit a bit shaken from the wreck. They go to bed, wake up the next day, and live their lives as normal.
It’s not until days later that they wake up in pain. They are stiff, with aches they can’t explain. They decide to go to the doctor, but unfortunately, it may be too late for their injuries to be connected to the accident.
Why? Because the doctor won’t be able to say with certainty that your injuries are definitely accident-related. The less clear the connection is, the less likely it is that an insurer will be willing to cover all of your costs.
Get In Touch With a San Luis Obispo Truck Accident Attorney
We know what you are going through. After years of representing truck accident victims, we have seen a lot. We know the physical and emotional damage a wreck can cause, not to mention the financial damage.
Do not feel as though you are alone after your accident. Our California truck accident attorneys are here for you. Call our office at (805) 678-0272 or contact us online to schedule your free case evaluation and discover your options. We will make you our priority and fight vigorously for the compensation you deserve.
