Cars can be dangerous machines, especially when they are moving at high speeds in close proximity to others. Additionally, not everyone who gets behind the wheel is a safe driver, so you are also at the mercy of others whenever you get out on the road.
Unfortunately, car accidents are one of the leading causes of injuries and death in the United States. Getting into a collision can be one of the scariest experiences in your lifetime, even if you get out of it relatively unscathed.
Knowing what to do immediately after a car accident and in the following days could be crucial to moving on and securing your future. Here are the steps you need to take if you have been involved in a collision.
Check for Injuries
The first thing you need to do is examine yourself for any injuries. When emergency services are called, it will be important to let them know if you or other passengers are severely hurt so that they can administer first aid right away when they arrive on the scene. While internal injuries may not be obvious right after the collision, it is still helpful to know if there is any damage to your body so you can be careful when exiting the vehicle. If you are hurt badly enough, you may need to stay where you are and wait for the ambulance to arrive.
Get to Safety if Possible
Depending on the severity of the collision, you may or may not be able to move to safety in the aftermath. The accident may place you in danger of other vehicles hitting you, so if you are still on the road, you should do what you can to get out of harm’s way. If the vehicle can be safely moved, then drive it off to the side. If not, then exit the vehicle and get off the road yourself. Then you can call emergency services from a safer area and avoid dangers from other traffic.
Share Information
An important step to remember after an accident is to gather as much data as possible. Speak with the other drivers involved in the collision and exchange insurance information. If possible, try to get a picture of their driver’s license as well. This information will be helpful when contacting your insurance company and figuring out the claims process. Additionally, ask for a copy of the accident report from the police once they show up on the scene. Gathering data at the accident scene could mean the difference between winning a personal injury claim or missing out on an insurance payout. Take pictures of the scene with your phone, showing evidence of the damage caused to your vehicle and the layout of the surrounding area. All these data points could play a role once you start meeting with a lawyer in an insurance claim or personal injury claim.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
Perhaps the most helpful step to take after a vehicle collision is contacting car accident lawyers who can help you file a claim. A personal injury case can be a complex process, and lawyers can help you navigate it successfully and have a better chance of winning compensation. However, you can only win a personal injury case if another party is at fault for the incident. Pursuing compensation from their insurance company can cover damages like medical expenses for your injuries, lost income because of missed time at work, and noneconomic damages like emotional suffering. Property damage to your car could also be assessed for the compensation package. A car accident lawyer can help you with this type of case or if you are somewhat responsible for the crash.
Follow Up with a Doctor
While you may be dismissed from the scene of the accident with the all-clear from medical personnel, that does not mean that you are guaranteed to be 100% healthy. Internal injuries may not manifest symptoms for days or even weeks after the accident. For this reason, even if you feel physically fine, you should schedule a follow-up examination with a healthcare specialist or your doctor. Then, you can undergo an accurate examination and see if there is any damage to your body that needs to be addressed. If anything is discovered, you’ll need to focus on recovery by listening to your doctor’s orders and taking time to rest. Trying to rush back to normal could exacerbate the damage.
Do Not Neglect Mental Health
One of the hidden side effects of being in a bad car accident is the toll it can take on mental health. Maybe your injury is so severe that it is affecting your emotional state, or you are afraid to get back on the road. It is okay if you need time to recover mentally. If you are really struggling, consider seeing a professional to help you navigate these complex emotions. The mental effects of an accident can last for years after the event, so prioritize your mental health and understand that it may take some time to feel normal again if you can even get to that point at all.
