Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic experience, and if you're taken to the emergency room, it's crucial to handle the situation carefully. Here at Goldstein & Handwerker, we want to guide you through the essential steps to take when you're in the emergency room after a car accident.

Detail Every Injury

First and foremost, provide a detailed description of every single thing that is hurting you. Don't discount any pain, no matter how minor it may seem. If you feel even the slightest pain in your knee, make sure to inform the medical personnel. This is critical because the first thing the other side will scrutinize in your case is the emergency room records. They will look for the specific complaints you made immediately after the accident.

For example, sometimes people forget to mention back pain because they are so focused on the severe pain in their neck. Later, when you experience back pain, the defense will point to the emergency room record and argue that you didn't initially report it, suggesting it wasn't caused by the accident. Therefore, it's essential to be thorough about every injury or pain you have.

Keep Descriptions Simple

When asked about how the accident happened, avoid giving too much detail in the emergency room. Your primary focus should be on receiving medical treatment. If triage staff ask what happened, provide a simple explanation. For instance, you can say, “I was in a car accident,” or if your car was hit from behind and you have neck pain, you might add, “My car was hit from behind.”

The key is to keep your answers short and simple. Detailed descriptions about how the accident occurred can sometimes be used against you later. Any conflicting information between what you say in the emergency room and other records can become a problem in your case.

Final Tips

When you go to the emergency room after an accident, remember these two critical points:

1. Inform the medical staff of every injury or pain, no matter how small.

2. Provide a brief and straightforward explanation of why you're there.

If you need further information or assistance after a car accident, don't hesitate to contact us at Goldstein & Handwerker. Call us at (973) 912-0555 or visit our website for more helpful information. We're here to support you every step of the way.