What you do immediately after a car crash will have a huge impact both on your long-term health and on earning a fair recovery. One of the most significant factors to consider is whether you should call for an ambulance after the crash. To make an informed decision and potentially save lives, you need to consider these three factors.
Do You Feel Broken Bones?
Once you’ve stopped, take a moment to slowly move your body. Take a few deep breaths. If you feel pain or a sharp twinge, stop and stay where you are if it is safe to do so. You might have broken ribs and further movement could cause additional damage. If you fear broken ribs or feel back pain, you should call for an ambulance.
Next, rotate your wrists and ankles, then bend your knees and elbows. Finally, move your thighs and shoulder. If you feel a twinge or any pain, stop and immobilize the part that hurts. It goes without saying that if you see visible bone, call 911 immediately.
Is There Blood?
While broken bones require immobilization, serious bleeding requires quick treatment to prevent bleeding out. If you see blood or have multiple cuts, call for an ambulance. Similarly, if there is any broken glass in the car be extremely careful as it could cause injury as you get out of the vehicle.
Even a nosebleed from impacting with the airbag warrants calling an ambulance. That’s because the force of the airbag is so great that it can cause a concussion. Left untreated, that concussion could cause victims to fall unconscious or develop more severe symptoms within a few hours. Air on the side of caution and have a professional check for the warning signs.
Could Others Be Hurt?
Once you’ve checked yourself and your passengers for injuries, you need to survey the scene and determine if others are seriously hurt. If any pedestrians were struck, call 911 immediately. Likewise, if the other vehicle looks severely damaged, if the other driver can’t get out of their vehicle, or if the other driver is unconscious, call an ambulance.
It’s better to be safe than sorry and knowing the warning signs can prepare you to act and potentially save someone’s life should the time come. If you think someone needs an ambulance, it’s better to call; it just might save their life.
If you were hit and hurt in a car crash, we’re here to help. To schedule a free case consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer from Payne Law Firm, please don’t hesitate to call (713) 999-4801 or send us an email.