When you suffer injuries in a car accident in Salt Lake City or the surrounding communities of northern Utah, it can leave you without the ability to work, pay your bills, or even get the medical treatment you need to recover.

Without quick, professional treatment for your injuries, you could suffer from complications or long-term damage. But, in many cases, even if you have a comprehensive healthcare plan, using your regular medical insurance after a car crash can be problematic.

Fortunately, getting the treatment you need is quick and simple if you know where to turn.

When Should You Seek Medical Treatment After a Car Crash?

Experts agree that, for anything more than a very minor fender-bender, you must seek immediate evaluation from a qualified healthcare provider.

Car accident injuries – particularly whiplash and other orthopedic damage – may not present symptoms immediately. Accident victims may also experience a rush of adrenaline or go into shock, both of which can mask the pain of a serious injury.

Finally, although your health and recovery are the most important considerations after a car crash, seeking medical evaluation and treatment as quickly as possible will also help protect your legal rights. If you do sustain serious injuries, you will likely need to pursue a personal injury claim with the car insurance company to recover any physical, emotional and financial damages you sustain.

Should You Use Your Medical Insurance for Car Accident Injuries?

If you’re transported to the hospital or emergency roof after a car accident, the facility will likely try to pursue compensation from your health insurer, if you have a plan in place. Although your medical coverage might pay for your emergency treatment, you will still be responsible for your deductible and co-pay. If you were driving in a car insured with a Utah automobile insurance policy, you are entitled to personal injury protection benefits that will cover at least the first $3,000 of your medical expenses in most situations. The amount of this coverage can also be higher, but once this money is used up, the question becomes whether or not to use your medical insurance. 

Before you decide to use your medical insurance for your injuries, however, it is important to consider what your out-of-pocket expenses will be – especially if your injuries prevent you from returning to work right away.

Pursuing a personal injury claim for your car accident can allow you to recover all your medical care costs, including any rehab and long-term care you might require. You can also include your lost wages, car repair (or replacement), and any other out-of-pocket costs you incur as a result.

Another important consideration is how using your health insurance to pay for auto accident-related treatment could affect your legal ability to pursue a personal injury claim. The legal implications of this situation are complex, and you should discuss your options with a car accident lawyer before you sign any payment agreement with a healthcare provider or your health insurer.

How an Auto Accident Lawyer Can Help You Get Medical Treatment

Consulting a personal injury attorney – like the professional auto accident lawyers at Symco Injury Law – can help protect your legal rights and get you the prompt, professional medical care you need to recover from your injuries.

Our compassionate legal team can get you the resources you need to get through this challenging time, so you can focus on what is most important: your successful recovery. In addition to medical treatment, we can help get you the resources you need to pay your bills and regular expenses until you can get back on your feet and back on the job.

Do not risk your health or your future by trying to navigate the aftermath of a car accident alone. Contact us today for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with one of our personal injury lawyers today. With auto accident lawyers helping clients in Salt Lake City, West Jordan, West Valley City and the surrounding communities of northern Utah, we can explain your options and help you make the best decisions for you and your future.