Taking a ride in an ambulance is not something you would consider until you are injured. Sometimes people avoid taking an ambulance due to high costs, ranging from $200 to $2,000. However, if you suffered severe injuries and are in critical condition, you will not have much say in the matter, as you will be taken to a hospital by ambulance or other emergency vehicles.
But if you are conscious, the emergency team will ask whether you want to ride in an ambulance or get to the hospital by having someone else transport you or drive yourself. It would be a smart move to weigh your options.
Who Pays for the Ambulance?
The costs of an ambulance ride should not scare you from seeking the help you need. If you did not cause the accident, you may not be responsible for paying the ambulance or other medical bills. It would be best to contact a personal injury lawyer in Stockton to file your accident claim and pursue compensation for your injuries and damages.
If a negligent or reckless driver has hurt you, they or their insurance may have to cover your medical costs. Because the ambulance ride will fall into your covered medical costs, you can recover damages for your injuries and recoup your ambulance costs.
You should always take an ambulance after an accident if you believe there is any chance you could be seriously injured. The sooner you receive medical care, the better your chances of a speedy recovery. Even if your injuries do not appear serious right away, some symptoms take time to manifest, and taking an ambulance could be a good idea.
But if you are not hurt or your injuries are minor, you can forgo the ambulance ride. However, it is critical to see a doctor immediately after the accident. Generally, motor vehicle or health insurance policies cover emergency transportation costs as long as the ride is medically necessary.
An ambulance ride is regarded medically necessary when your health is in danger. Timing is critical in sudden emergencies. Moreover, it could be necessary for a non-emergency situation, such as transporting patients between hospitals.
When Should You Take an Ambulance Ride?
As we have mentioned, if you have been critically injured, you will likely be transported by ambulance without your say. The EMT may decide for you if you have severe lacerations, broken bones, or head or neck injuries. Such injuries could be life-threatening, and you will need immediate medical care to keep you alive on the way to the hospital.
If you are encountering any of the following symptoms, you might have suffered a more severe injury than you realize and need medical attention:
- Blurry vision
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Pounding headache
- Open bleeding
- Loss of sense, such as sight or hearing
- Broken bones
These symptoms could result in internal bleeding, brain damage, organ damage, or other noticeable injuries that may need emergency treatment. Whether or not you have these symptoms, driving yourself to the hospital might be unsafe after an accident. You should not feel compelled to put yourself at risk by driving yourself.
It is best to consult with EMTs about their recommendations for taking an ambulance. After all, they are skilled professionals and can give you a good sense of your condition. Remember, when determining whether or not to take an ambulance, insurance companies can use your refusal to indicate that your injuries were not that severe.
Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Legal Case
While it is commonly known that ambulances are expensive in the United States, if you are injured due to someone else’s negligence, getting medical help is vital. Besides being a safe decision for effective emergency treatment, going to the hospital will help as you seek compensation for your injuries and losses. Additionally, no matter the circumstances of your accident, always contact a personal injury lawyer to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Understanding the proper methods to recover the money you spend on an ambulance ride can be challenging, especially if you are still recovering from your injuries. Ambulance expenses are covered under economic damages, being a part of the overall compensatory damages you can pursue from the at-fault party and their insurance representatives.
When a compassionate, skilled, and knowledgeable attorney represents your case, you can rest assured that dialogue between the insurance companies and your legal team will be handled with experience. This way, you will not have to worry about the insurance adjusters trying to lower your compensation, trip you, or put the blame on you.
No matter how nice an insurance adjuster may seem, it is essential to remember that they work on behalf of their insurance companies and will try to minimize your claim as much as possible.
A personal injury attorney will handle your personal injury claim for you, going through the various damages you have suffered — both economic and non-economic — to determine a fair amount for your settlement. When the insurance company makes its initial offer, you may be shocked at the difference between your lawyer’s calculation and what the adjusters offered you. But do not worry! Your personal injury attorney can use the initial offer as the start of their negotiation process, attempting to reach an out-of-court settlement.
If you suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident, slip and fall, truck, car, bike, or premises liability accident, call the Law Offices of Brown & Gessell for a free initial consultation. Our personal injury attorneys can help you understand your rights and determine the next steps. However, if you and the at-fault party cannot agree on a fair settlement amount or they deny your claim, your lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf and get you the compensation you deserve.