Medical costs from accidents reach into the hundreds of billions every year. You may not be prepared to foot your share of the bill after a wreck, but hopping in an ambulance could make the whole process a little more manageable.

Injuries cost $433.8 billion in 2017, which works out to a healthy share for everyone involved. While property damage and missing work help contribute, medical costs can really inflate the amount of pain you’re feeling. Getting immediate help from the attending emergency care could make a big difference in your recovery.

Vehicular health

Time could be of the essence immediately following an accident, which is why it could be in your best interest to rely on the ambulance:

• Care: It can be hard to tell just how hurt you are after an accident, so it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Adrenaline can rush through your body in a matter of seconds, but it may dull pain for up to an hour after the wreck.
• Cost: The price tag on immediate care may be intimidating, but waiting could cost even more. Medical conditions can escalate quickly when they run unchecked, and what could have started as minor assistance in an ambulance could see an upgrade to a full emergency if things get out of hand.
• Cause: You’ll want to start the paper trail from your accident to your injury to help support any claims you need to make. Getting immediate help can show that your wreck is what caused your ailment, while waiting may cast some doubt. It will also help convey that your injury is serious, and you couldn’t wait to visit the hospital on your own terms.

Injuries can lead to ballooning medical costs, but you may be able to nip that all in the bud. Understanding how to handle what’s hurting after an accident could help you get the help you need.