Experiencing an auto accident can be scary and frustrating, especially if it’s never happened before. Every year, innumerable drivers across America suffer personal injuries from car accidents, collisions or other events on the road. It’s important to know what to do when you get into a car wreck and how to proceed with pursuing compensation for a personal injury claim. Follow these steps after your car accident to ensure your health and personal injury concerns are properly addressed.
Stop the car and remain on the scene
Immediately following an accident, pull the car over to safe area if possible and turn off the ignition. Remain calm and do not exit the vehicle right away. Check for traffic or other hazards before stepping out onto the road. If the accident is serious and severe damage was done to your vehicle, get out and put some distance between you and the accident. Whenever possible, try not to do more than is absolutely necessary during this time to avoid aggravating any injuries you may have. It’s also vital to never leave the scene of an accident you are involved in, even if you have the best intentions.
Contact emergency services
Wait for emergency services to arrive to evaluate your condition. You will likely be asked if you feel you need to go to the hospital. Events like car accidents can increase a person’s adrenaline, which may mask the severity of pain from a wound, broken rib or other injuries. Because of this, it’s often a good idea to seek emergency care just in case. It’s best to defer to the advice of healthcare professionals as they examine you. Injuries like whiplash or a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can have symptoms that aren’t readily apparent until hours or days later. Your doctor may recommend having an x-ray, cat scan or lab test conducted to assess the extent and severity of your injuries.
If possible, take pictures
Evidence of the damage done to yourself or your vehicle will help support your personal injury claim. Take photographs of any damage to the vehicle and check for signs of injury to your body that may not be immediately noticeable. These photographs will be very useful in bolstering any claims for future reimbursement. If you are too injured to take pictures, ask a witness or loved one to assist. If superficial damage has caused a side view mirror, bumper or hubcap to fall off, be sure to hold on to it or snap a photo for later.
Get in touch with a personal injury lawyer
X-rays and other health information will be gathered by your attorney to handle proceeding with your personal injury claim. The right personal injury lawyer will seek compensation for these bills and potentially reimburse you for any additional emotional or psychological damage caused by the accident. Each personal injury case is unique and the supporting evidence will need to be evaluated to determine how the claim will proceed. Your attorney will also work with your car insurance provider on your behalf while you focus on recovery.
Attempting to handle all the insurance information and records regarding your wreck can seem daunting. If you’ve recently been in a car wreck or accident on the road, get in touch with Guy Levy Law for experienced, reliable support. We will help you get the compensation you deserve for medical bills, car repair costs and other damages caused by the accident. Our team will work to protect your rights and address any questions you may have along the way. Call or visit our office today to discuss your personal injury claim.
