Were you involved in a motor vehicle collision in Spartanburg or elsewhere in South Carolina? You are not alone. Car wrecks are common. They can cause serious injuries that need to be evaluated right away. This raises an important question: Should you go to the hospital after a car accident? For most people, the answer is “yes.” You should at least see a doctor. If you suffered any type of injury in a motor vehicle crash (even a minor one), you must get immediate medical care. Here, our Spartanburg car accident attorney explains why it is so important to go to the hospital after a crash in South Carolina.
Should I Go to the Hospital After a Car Accident?
You should always get medical attention for a car accident injury. If you suffered any type of injury in a motor vehicle in South Carolina, even a seemingly minor one, you must get yourself to a doctor right away. With severe injuries, you should go to the nearest hospital. With less severe injuries, you should still be evaluated by a licensed medical professional. Here are key reasons why it is so important to get medical care after a traffic collision in South Carolina:
- Immediate Care Protects Your Health: First and foremost, you should seek immediate care for your own health, safety, and overall well-being. A prompt approach to medical care can make a big difference. Emergency physicians can perform imaging, neurological checks, and other assessments that detect internal bleeding, concussion, or spinal trauma. Early treatment stabilizes injuries and prevents complications. The sooner you get medical care after a car crash, the better positioned you will be to recover from the accident.
- You May Be More Seriously Hurt than You Think: A comprehensive medical evaluation ensures that hidden or delayed-onset injuries are identified and treated before they become dangerous. After a crash, adrenaline can mask pain, and symptoms may not appear until hours later. Many crash-related injuries start subtly and worsen over time. Concussions, soft-tissue damage, organ injuries, and spinal issues often present with delayed pain or mild symptoms that the victim mistakes for stress or stiffness. Without medical evaluation, these conditions can progress into serious health problems.
- Medical Records are Required for a Claim: Your health and safety are the top priority after a car accident in South Carolina. There are also legal reasons to see a doctor. Your medical records form the core evidence in a South Carolina personal injury claim. Insurers require proof that the crash caused your injuries, and delays in treatment create openings for them to argue that the harm came from another source. A same-day or early medical visit documents your symptoms, diagnoses, and treatment plan. If you do not have medical records for your car accident, you will not be able to bring a claim for financial compensation.
South Carolina is a Fault-Based Car Accident State (Liability)
Similar to the majority of other U.S. states, South Carolina uses a fault-based system for motor vehicle accidents. In other words, the injured victim must prove that another driver’s negligence caused the collision. Liability can be based on speeding, distraction, impairment, improper lane changes, or any breach of the duty to operate a vehicle safely. South Carolina applies a modified comparative negligence standard (S.C. Code § 15-38-15). The rule allows an injured person to recover compensation as long as they are less than 51 percent at fault for the crash. If they share some responsibility, their recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, a victim found 20 percent at fault would receive 80 percent of their damages. If the victim is 51 percent or more responsible, they cannot recover through a fault-based personal injury claim.
Getting to the hospital is important after being hurt in a car crash because liability is one of the two key elements of a car accident injury claim. The other key element is damage. You need to prove your damages (both economic and non-economic) to be eligible to recover financial compensation. Medical records are foundational evidence for proving damages. The more comprehensive medical documentation that you have, the better positioned you will be to get justice. An experienced Spartanburg, SC car accident attorney can help you navigate the claims process.
Know the Deadline: Car accident injury claims are time-sensitive. Under South Carolina law (S.C. Code § 15-3-530(5)), there is a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Do not miss your chance to seek justice: Consult with a Spartanburg, SC car accident lawyer right away.
How Our Spartanburg, SC Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Following a serious car accident, your health and safety are a top priority. You should always get the medical care that you need. Whether that means going to an emergency room, a doctor’s office, or an appointment with a specialist, a proactive approach to your health is a must. At McCravy, Newlon & Clardy Law Firm P.A., we help car accident victims navigate the claims process. With a strong record of case results and client testimonials, our attorneys fight for justice. We have an office right here in Spartanburg, and we know the region well. If you were hurt in a crash, your initial consultation with our Spartanburg car accident lawyer is free and fully confidential.
Contact Our Spartanburg, SC Car Accident Attorney Today
At McCravy, Newlon & Clardy Law Firm P.A., our Spartanburg car accident attorney is an aggressive, experienced advocate for justice.
If you or your loved one was badly hurt in a motor vehicle collision, we are here to help. Call us now or contact us online to arrange your free, no obligation case review.