Being in a car accident can be extremely stressful. Whether you’ve experienced serious injuries, damages to your vehicle or you’re simply feeling shaken, you might not know what the next steps are. It’s not the kind of thing we’re told about until it happens. But there are many things to consider: from lawyers (find an accident lawyer near me), to witnesses, to vehicle repairs, it can all feel a little overwhelming. So, what are the next steps after a car accident?
Take pictures
If you aren’t badly injured by the accident, it’s important to take pictures of any damages to your vehicle immediately afterwards. These can then be referred to later for insurance purposes. It might be useful to take pictures of any damages to the road or other vehicles involved, too. Luckily, we live in a modern age where most of us carry a camera phone, so this should be fairly straight forward. If you don’t have your phone with you, a witness may be able to help and send you the photos.
Get a lawyer
Depending on the severity of the accident, you may wish to seek legal representation. This is particularly important if you want to make a personal injury claim. Finding a car accident lawyer can feel like a challenge, and if you don’t have a strong knowledge of the legal system it might feel confusing. The key is to meet several lawyers in person, ask the right questions and trust your gut. This person will be representing you, and therefore you need to have a good level of trust and communication.
Check your health
Our personal health is extremely important, and it’s always a good idea to get checked by a medical professional after a car accident, even if you feel physically fine. Whilst a serious accident may involve a trip to the emergency room or even an ambulance taking you straight there, you may notice pains several days after your accident, or aches in your neck known as whiplash. It may not be anything to worry about, but it’s always better to get it seen to.
Sort your vehicle
Depending on the nature of the accident, you may have significant damages to your vehicle. So, you’ll need to consider whether to get it repaired or written off. It’s important to speak to your car insurance company and determine what the best course of action is. You may need to rent a car in the meantime, or consider taking public transport whilst it gets sorted.
Seek support
Generally, being in a car accident is stressful and upsetting. Your confidence might have taken a hit, and you may be worried about getting back on the road. It’s important not to bottle up your concerns, and you may wish to speak to a counsellor or therapist about your mental health. Otherwise, opening up to a friend or partner and asking them to accompany you on your first few drives might ease any pressure.
