You may think after a car accident that you are fine. You may be feeling fine, but medically, your body is suffering. Your reaction time will be slow; you will have dull brain activity and release stress hormones. So, what happens when you don’t seek medical attention?
In 2020, about 4.8 million people in the US were seriously injured in car crashes.
We want you to know what to do the next time you are in a car crash.
Here are four steps you should take after a car accident.
1. Ensure Your Safety After the Car Accident
If you can, move your car to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights to prevent further accidents. Make sure to check for injuries and if you or anyone else involved in the accident has injuries, call 911 immediately.
Even if you do not believe you have injuries, it is essential to have a medical professional evaluate your condition. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not become apparent until days or weeks after the accident. If you wait too long to see a doctor, the insurance company may argue that your injuries have no relation to the accident.
2. Call the Police
The police will create a report detailing the accident, which will be vital if you need to file an insurance claim or file a personal injury lawsuit. You will need to exchange information with the other driver, including your name, contact information, and insurance information. If there are any witnesses, be sure to get their contact information.
Take photographs of the accident scene, including any vehicle damage and injuries you may have sustained.
3. Call Your Lawyer
An experienced car accident attorney will protect your rights, help you navigate the insurance claims, give you car accident advice, and fight for the total compensation you deserve. They can also help you gather evidence and documents that will be helpful in your case.
Getting as much information as possible is essential so your lawyer can help you build a strong case. It would be best if you also took pictures of the accident scene. The images will help determine how the accident happened and who was at fault.
Look for a lawyer that can teach you about the mistakes to avoid in a car accident. They can help you get the most of the compensation if you are a victim and avoid serious problems if you caused the accident.
4. Contact Your Insurance Company
You’ll need to let them know what happened and see if your policy covers the damages. If it does, they’ll start the claims process.
You’ll then need to take your car to a certified repair shop and get an estimate. Once your insurance company approves the repairs, they’ll pay for them.
Do not give a statement to the other driver’s insurance company. The insurance adjuster will attempt to get you to provide a recorded message, but you should decline.
Keep Calm After a Car Accident to Make the Right Decisions
If you are going to be in a car accident, make sure to call the police, exchange insurance information, take pictures, and seek medical attention. These steps will help protect your rights, property, and health.
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