Injured Near MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center? What to Do After a Serious Accident
When someone is seriously injured in a car crash, pedestrian accident, work injury, or another unexpected incident in Des Moines, medical treatment is often the first priority. For many people in the central Des Moines area, that may mean being transported to or treated near MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center.
Whether your accident happened near 6th Avenue, University Avenue, I-235, River Bend, Sherman Hill, or another nearby area, the steps you take after receiving medical care can make a major difference in your recovery and your injury claim.
At VanDerGinst Law, we help injured Iowans understand their rights after serious accidents. If you or a loved one was injured near MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center or anywhere in the Des Moines area, here are some important things to keep in mind.
Follow Through With Medical Treatment
After an accident, it is common for adrenaline to mask pain. Some injuries are obvious right away, while others may become worse over the next several days. Neck injuries, back injuries, concussions, soft tissue damage, and internal injuries can all take time to fully appear.
If you were treated at the emergency room or hospital, follow the discharge instructions carefully. Schedule any recommended follow-up appointments. If you are referred to a specialist, physical therapist, or primary care provider, do not ignore those referrals.
Insurance companies often review gaps in treatment. If you delay care or skip appointments, they may try to argue that your injuries were not serious or were not caused by the accident.
Keep Copies of Your Medical Records and Bills
Medical documentation is one of the most important parts of an injury claim. Your records can help show what injuries were diagnosed, what treatment was recommended, how long your recovery may take, and how the accident affected your daily life.
You should keep copies of:
- Emergency room paperwork
- Hospital discharge instructions
- Imaging results
- Prescriptions
- Physical therapy records
- Follow-up visit summaries
- Medical bills
- Mileage or travel expenses for treatment
Even if your health insurance pays part of the bill, those records still matter.
Be Careful When Talking to Insurance Companies
After an accident, the other party’s insurance company may contact you quickly. They may seem friendly and helpful, but their goal is usually to limit what they pay.
Before giving a recorded statement, signing documents, or accepting a settlement offer, it is wise to speak with an injury attorney. Once you accept a settlement, you may not be able to come back later if your injuries get worse or your medical bills continue to grow.
Document the Accident as Much as Possible
If you are physically able, gather as much information as you can. If you cannot, ask a trusted friend or family member to help.
Helpful evidence may include:
- Photos of the vehicles or accident scene
- Photos of visible injuries
- Names and contact information for witnesses
- Police report information
- Insurance information
- Notes about where and how the accident happened
- Dash camera or nearby surveillance footage, if available
The more information you preserve early, the easier it may be to prove what happened.
Local Accidents Can Have Local Details That Matter
Accidents near hospitals, downtown corridors, and busy neighborhoods can involve unique circumstances. Traffic congestion, emergency vehicles, pedestrians, buses, construction, and unfamiliar drivers can all play a role.
Whether your accident happened near MercyOne, River Bend, Sherman Hill, downtown Des Moines, or another nearby area, local details may help explain how the crash happened and who may be responsible.
VanDerGinst Law Helps Injured People in Des Moines
If you were injured near MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, you should not have to face the insurance company alone. VanDerGinst Law represents injury victims, not insurance companies. We help clients pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by someone else’s negligence.
If you have questions after an accident in Des Moines, contact VanDerGinst Law for a free consultation.