One person was injured every 2 minutes and 9 seconds in a Texas crash during 2022. In that year, there were 15,299 serious injury crashes reported.
Getting injured while traveling in Texas isn’t ideal. If you suffer an injury while visiting the Lone Star state, here are some important steps to take:
Seek Medical Attention
If your injury is serious, seek medical attention right away. Call 911 for emergencies such as significant bleeding, broken bones, head injuries, or difficulty breathing. For less serious injuries, locate the nearest urgent care clinic or emergency room. Major cities like Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Austin have many options for walk-in clinics and ERs – there are 232 urgent care centers in Houston and 271 in Dallas-Fort Worth.
When you arrive, provide the medical staff with details about how and when you were injured. Be prepared to show your health insurance card and photo ID. If you do not have insurance, ask about paying out-of-pocket or applying for emergency Medicaid. The hospital should be able to provide temporary treatment regardless of your insurance status.
Notify Your Travel Companions
Let any family, friends, or travel group members you are visiting Texas with know that you have been injured. Update them on your condition and which medical facility you are visiting. If you are traveling solo, consider asking the hospital staff to make a call notifying your emergency contact back home.
Document the Details
Write down as many details as you can recall about how you were injured, including the date, time, location and circumstances. If your injury resulted from an accident, try to record any witness names or contact information. Ask the medical staff treating you for documentation of your diagnosis, treatment, and any recommendations for follow-up care. If your injury was potentially caused by negligence or unsafe conditions, this documentation will help support any injury claims.
Call Your Insurance Provider
Contact your health insurance provider to understand your coverage for out-of-state medical treatment. Depending on your plan, you may need to pay treatment costs upfront and file claims later for reimbursement.
Arrange Follow-Up Care
Before being discharged, ask the medical staff about any necessary follow-up treatment, medications or equipment like crutches. Will you require short-term home health aide assistance? Physical therapy? Talk through all recommendations to determine how to arrange appropriate care once you return home or to your next destination. Having a plan will provide peace of mind.
Modify Your Itinerary
An injury may prevent you from traveling or participating in planned activities for a Texas trip. Communicate with any hotels, tour operators, or transportation companies about canceling or rescheduling upcoming bookings. Adjust your itinerary as needed to accommodate limitations imposed by your injury and recovery timeline. Don’t overexert yourself – take time to properly rest and heal.
Arrange Safe Transportation Home
When you are cleared to leave the hospital or medical facility, line up safe, comfortable transportation home or to your next destination. Avoid driving yourself or riding public transportation if your injury limits mobility or cognition. Contact a local taxi service, rideshare company, or medical transport provider to deliver door-to-door service.
An injury can really put a damper on Texas travels. But by promptly seeking treatment, involving your support team, documenting details, and modifying plans, you can navigate the situation smoothly and focus fully on your recovery. The steps above will help guide you through the process so you can get back on your feet and back to adventure.
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