In the moments after a car accident, one’s mind may go blank with panic and stress. There are a lot of decisions to be made—all while you come to terms with the reality of the situation and manage any injuries that you may have suffered. While taking an ambulance is a given when you’re severely injured, should you take one if your injury isn’t that serious? While many people choose to skip the ambulance due to its high cost, is it really worth it? Will it affect your case? Keep on reading to find out.

If I Don’t Take an Ambulance After an Accident, Does it Mean I Don’t Have a Case?

While it may be hard to think straight after an accident, it’s crucial that you carefully think things through. Use your best judgement when deciding what to do after an accident. If paramedics arrive at the scene of your accident, speak with them and heed their advice. Cases are not won or ruined in the back of an ambulance. The greater issue surrounding medical care after an accident is large delays in treatment. 

If you were involved in an accident with a large amount of damage to your vehicle, but you do not take an ambulance to the hospital, and you wait to see a doctor for a long time after the incident, then it may reduce the amount of a settlement. Insurance adjusters often offer less money to individuals who don’t take an ambulance to the hospital, but also may not know the full extent of your injuries immediately after a crash. At the moment of the accident, the expense of an ambulance may seem daunting, but use your best judgment and seek the advice of professionals on the scene. 

How to Determine if a Condition is Life Threatening

Like we previously mentioned, people who are severely injured in a car accident should not doubt taking an ambulance. While deciding whether or not to take an ambulance is up to you, you’ll have to use your judgment of the situation. Even if you think you can get to the hospital quickly on your own, please remember that an ambulance is equipped with all the equipment needed to commence emergency care as soon as it arrives. Here are common signs of life-threatening conditions that should always require an ambulance:

• Broken bones
• Uncontrollable bleeding
• Burns
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing 
• Losing consciousness
• Feeling dizzy
• Speech difficulty

How To Call an Ambulance

While this may seem obvious, many people panic during a car accident and don’t know what to do. That’s why it’s nice to have an overview of the steps so that you’re ready to take action as soon as an accident occurs.

The number to call for an ambulance in the United States is 9-1-1. When calling for an ambulance, do your best to speak clearly and remain calm. Be prepared for the following: 

1. Provide your name/the name of the injured person
2. Explain your injuries and the situation
3. Share your location
4. Tell the dispatcher where you’re at (such as inside a car)
5. Provide the phone number you’re calling from
6. Stay on the phone with the dispatcher until they tell you to disconnect the call. 

Personal Injury Claims with Bonnici Law Group

Whether your injury was severe or not, gaps in treatment may decrease the full value of a claim and result in a lower settlement. Sometimes, the best route is to play it safe and take the ambulance if you are unsure about the severity of your injury. It will ensure your health, and may strengthen an injury claim. Not all cases are equal, and it’s important to go over your specific case with an attorney. If you’ve been injured in a car accident and are looking to get the max compensation possible, Bonnici Law Group is the attorney team you need by your side! Give us a call at (619) 259-5199 or click here for a free consultation!