The Importance of Seeking Medical Attention After an Accident During COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented situation. Though many individuals are staying home as much as they can to prevent the spread of this virus, many others must go to work each day or care for loved ones. Grocery trips and other outings remain necessary. Therefore, motor vehicle accidents are still occurring in California every day. Though it may seem scary to seek medical treatment after a California car accident, there are ways to do so without significantly increasing your risk of contracting COVID-19. Medical Treatment and Your Car Accident Claim Seeking medical treatment as soon as possible after an accident is essential in your motor vehicle accident claim. Insurance companies may argue that you were not as seriously injured as you have claimed if you do not obtain medical treatment in a timely manner. Additionally, some injuries may take a while to show symptoms. If you wait to seek medical attention, your injuries could become significantly worse without proper treatment. For example, an accident victim may not show signs of a brain bleed shortly after an accident, but with various imaging techniques, the brain bleed could be detected. How Do I Stay Safe While Seeking Treatment During the COVID-19 Pandemic? In California, hospitals and other medical treatment facilities are taking numerous steps to keep patients safe during the coronavirus pandemic. For example, some facilities screen incoming patients for symptoms of coronavirus, such as fever, before they ever enter the building. Suspected coronavirus cases will be isolated from other patients in the facility. Patients may also be asked to put on masks, just in case they have COVID-19 but are asymptomatic. Wearing masks may help reduce the spread of the virus. Many emergency departments have reported that their overall volume is significantly lower during the coronavirus outbreak. Therefore, even if you must go to an emergency room for treatment after a car accident, there will be fewer patients seeking emergency care. Do I Really Need Emergency Medical Treatment? It is understandable to be wary of going to a hospital during the pandemic. However, it is essential to seek treatment for life-threatening injuries and conditions. You should not decline transportation by an ambulance or avoid going to the emergency room if you have been injured in an accident. You likely need emergency medical care if you have any of the following symptoms: These symptoms could be signs of a life-threatening condition or require treatment only available in a hospital setting. Maintaining Your Health After an Accident If you are concerned about gaps in your treatment, you have several options for medical care in California. Remember, if you are in a crisis of pain or disability, reach out to your physician for an emergency appointment or seek emergency medical treatment. Which California Medical Providers are Open During Quarantine? If You Have Been in an Accident, Contact Our Experienced Legal Team Today The personal injury attorneys at Kuvara Law Firm are prepared to help you through your California car accident claim. We provide the guidance you need to obtain the best results possible, even during the global COVID-19 pandemic. To speak with our firm about your options, contact us at 1-800-4-INJURY.
Pedestrian dies in first fatal accident of 2017
A pedestrian died last month in West Sacramento after being hit by a truck. It was the city’s first traffic fatality of the year. The accident happened on Tuesday, May 30, around 10:30 p.m. on West Capital Avenue. Events unfolded when two westbound vehicles, a truck and a car, collided. The impact of the collision caused the truck to careen into a bus stop, striking a woman waiting there. A sergeant with the West Sacramento Police Department said that the unidentified pedestrian died at the accident scene. The person driving the car suffered minor injuries and was taken from the scene to a local hospital for treatment. The driver of the truck, a 23-year-old West Sacramento resident, was charged with driving under suspension and suspicion of driving under the influence (felony). Any time a vehicle hits a pedestrian, the individual who gets hit is at risk of suffering serious or even fatal injuries. The sheer disparity of the pedestrian’s weight and size compared to a vehicle makes the odds decidedly not in his or her favor. Even when those who get hit escape with their lives, recovery from the injuries they suffer can be a long and grueling process. Multiple surgeries are commonly needed to repair extensive damage, followed by intense, painful rehab. Many suffer permanent damage, meaning that they may not be able to return to work in the capacity they formerly managed, if at all. With all the medical bills pedestrians face after an accident, this can be devastating. But pedestrians are not without legal recourse after being injured in an accident. A California personal injury attorney may be able to provide guidance and advice on the options that are available. Source: The Sacramento Bee, “First fatal crash of year in West Sacramento claims life of pedestrian,” Bill Lindelof, May 31, 2017
