Based on the sheer number of motor vehicles that operate on US roads every day, auto accidents are a common occurrence. Each year, approximately 6.75 million auto accidents are reported, with a person (on average) involved in four auto accidents over their lifetime. Many auto accidents do not result in injuries to people, although some accidents can result in major injuries or even death.
If you have an accident and feel you need medical care for severe injuries, it is recommended you skip the urgent care clinic and instead go to a hospital emergency room or standalone ER center first. For example, loss of consciousness, severe chest/abdomen/back pain, vehicle rollover or total loss of vehicle due to accident.
Injuries do not always present themselves right after an accident. Adrenaline can mask pain and stress can cause confusion and poor decision-making, so getting care at an ER will provide proper monitoring and, if needed, can address any injuries or complications that arise. Urgent Care visits are appropriate for minor injuries.
Prime Urgent Care is a great resource for you and your family for accurate diagnoses based on the time we spend with patient and the diagnostic capabilities we have in each of our clinics. If you or someone you know has been in a car accident, we are here to serve you if/when the need arises in our Pearland, Missouri City and Sugar Land clinic locations.
What are the most common injuries resulting from car accidents?
Common injuries that result from automobile accident include:
- Soft tissue injuries – occurs when there is connective tissue damage to the tendons, muscles, or ligaments. One of the most common injuries to the soft tissue is whiplash, where the muscles in the head/neck may stretch as a reaction to the sudden impact caused by the accident.
- Bruises, cuts, lacerations, rash – caused by broken glass, sharp objects, seatbelt, flying objects, impact with a part of the car
- Crush injuries – caused by the body (or part of the body) getting caught between two objects or surfaces.
- Broken bones or fractures
- Burns
- Spinal cord injuries – injuries to the brain stem/spinal cord that can cause long-term damage and disability.
- Head injuries – injuries caused when the head makes a hard impact with a surface or object that can severely impact a person’s mental and physical health.
Should you visit an urgent care after an accident even if you don’t feel “injured”?
After a car accident, a person’s body usually produces extra adrenaline to support the body’s natural “fight or flight” response to a stressful event. Adrenaline often hides pain or injuries (particularly internal injuries) so it might take some time for a person in an accident to notice or feel an injury that will require medical care.
Even if you walk away from the accident with minor bruises, cuts or other injuries, it is important to get immediate medical care from the nearest hospital emergency room or standalone ER facility so they can make sure there are no delayed reactions or injuries that are serious and need to be addressed immediately. That’s why we recommend that someone who has been in an automobile accident should skip the urgent care clinic visit and immediately go to the nearest hospital emergency room or standalone ER facility.
- Back injuries – If left unchecked or unattended, they can cause serious damage to the back.
- Internal injuries – quite common when the impact to the body is high, although they may not be evident or initially noticed. Results in internal bleeding or damage to the internal organs that will require emergency medical care.
If you have been in an auto accident and begin to feel any of following symptoms a day or two after the incident, an urgent care clinic visit can help diagnose the problem and offer treatment options and specialty references if needed (such as a physical therapist or orthopedic doctor):
- Headaches/Dizziness/nausea – could be an indication of a concussion or more serious head injury.
- Stiffness in the shoulders and neck – could be indicative of a whiplash injury.
- Pain and/or swelling in the abdomen – could indicate internal damage or bleeding.
- Back pain – could mean that there is damage to the vertebrae or soft tissues in the back.
- Loss of sensation or numbness – can also be an indication of an internal injury or bleeding.
- Sudden loss in memory, cognitive abilities, or even functionality – may also be indicative of a head injury.
- Head injuries – injuries caused when the head makes a hard impact with a surface or object that can severely impact a person’s mental and physical health.
An urgent care center is well-equipped to provide treatment for all minor acute injuries and illnesses. Prime Urgent Care clinics in the Houston, TX area (Pearland, Missouri City and Sugar Land) offer state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, X-rays, and more. For self-pay patients, we offer competitive rates for all our services. We also offer OCR COVID-19 Travel testing and School & DOT physicals. If you live in or around Pearland, TX, Missouri City, TX or Sugar Land, TX and need to visit an urgent care clinic, call us at 713-340-3111. You can also visit us at https://primeuc.com/ to schedule an in-person or telemedicine appointment or check in online for an existing appointment.
FAQs
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What should I do after a car accident?
If you have been in a car accident, check yourself (and those with you) for injuries and then call 911. You should seek immediate medical assistance at an emergency room if injuries have been sustained. -
What should I do if I get whiplash from a car accident?
Generally, the application of ice, use of pain relievers, and the use of a neck collar are sufficient to treat whiplash. Before beginning any treatment, however, you should consult with a medical professional to check for the severity of your condition and develop a proper treatment plan. Urgent care clinics are equipped to provide this care and advice. -
Should I sleep after a car accident?
While rest is crucial to help with the body’s recovery process after a car accident, excessive sleeping could be indicative of a traumatic brain injury. Speak with your doctor immediately about any health concerns you have stemming from an auto accident. If you are unable to be seen quickly by your current Primary Care Doctor, schedule an appointment at a local urgent care facility who can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment options. -
How long does it take to recover from a car accident?
The recovery process after the car accident varies on a case-to-case basis, and will depend on several factors, such as the severity of the accident, the injuries/damage caused, the treatment received, pre-existing medical conditions, age, etc. -
Does my health insurance plan cover urgent care visits after an accident?
Some health insurances will cover auto accidents. Prime Urgent Care will collect payment from the patient and provide the necessary documentation so that the patient can file a claim their health or auto insurance.
Prime Urgent Care is a leading Urgent Care provider group in the Houston, TX area. We operate clinics in Pearland, Missouri City and Sugar Land that provide expert medical care from caring professionals for acute injuries and illnesses that need immediate medical attention. We are also a COVID-19 Testing Center that offers comprehensive testing capabilities in each of our clinics to expedite results. Prime Urgent Care clinics are open 7 days a week (Monday-Friday 8am-8pm and Saturday/Sunday 9am-5pm). Schedule appointments and check-in online at https://primeuc.com/ or call us 713.340.3111.
