No matter how careful you are as a driver, accidents can still happen either due to natural phenomena or the reckless driving of another driver. While nobody wants to think of themselves being involved in a car crash, you must know the necessary steps you must take when involved in a car accident.
Understandably, a car accident’s aftermath can be overwhelming and confusing for the people involved. You may not be able to think clearly or focus on what to do next, especially if you just woke up from a concussion, making you process the events slower. Injured Call Today published an article about common types of injuries and car crashes, which may help you become more knowledgeable and prepared if this happens to you.
A victim’s action right after a car accident can make or break their injury claim once they file for it later on. You need to preserve valuable evidence that could strengthen your insurance claim and obtain a high compensation for your injuries and property damage. Furthermore, you also have to consider your well-being as car accident injuries can either cost you your time from work, disability, or quality of life.
The following are several car accident injury management tips for victims to take and keep them prepared:
- Seek Immediate Medical Help
The first issue to look at right after a car accident is the safety and health status of the people involved. With that, you must call for medical attention immediately, regardless if you think you feel fine or not. You must have yourself checked by medical professionals and take note of what your doctor orders you to do. This way, they can also check if you suffer from severe or internal injuries that may not be felt right away after an accident.
- Pull Over To Safety
As much as possible, pull your vehicle to a safe place and turn off your engine. This way, you can avoid causing a heavier traffic as you’re waiting for the police to arrive, and you can also avoid any potential risks of vehicle fires and explosion.
- Check For Any Injuries Including Your Passengers
As mentioned, the health and safety of the people involved in the accident must be first prioritized. Check yourself if you feel pain or experience bleeding from injuries. Then, check the passengers as well if they’re suffering from any pain or injuries. No matter how small an injury may be, it’s vital that you take note of it as you can use it to file for a claim later on.
If you’ve suspected that one of you is suffering from a head or spinal injury, don’t ever attempt to move the passenger until the medical professionals arrive and handle the situation. Moving a seriously injured person could possibly complicate their condition. It can turn into paralysis, coma, or, in extreme cases, death. Thus, don’t force yourself or anyone to move unless you’re all in immediate danger, and move out immediately.
- Call Emergency Services Or 911
If any of the people involved are injured, your car has been badly damaged, or if the accident has caused a major roadblock, it’s best recommended to call for emergency services immediately. Even if you think it’s a minor accident, it’s better if you reach for the police to be on the scene to make sure everything is legally recorded.
Don’t let anyone, especially the other driver involved, talk you out of calling 911. Also, disagree if they make any arrangements with you, like not involving the authorities in the accident. Only do these with the presence of your lawyer and insurance company.
- Document Medical Attention
Gather valuable data and evidence that you can use for your injury claim. This doesn’t only limit to the damage of your property, but as well as your injuries. You can even take pictures of your injuries or how much suffering you had to go through to get yourself back in shape.
You should also keep documents related to your injuries, such as medical expenses, receipts, prescription medications, and out-of-pocket expenses associated with the injury you got from the accident. These pieces of evidence will be helpful in supporting your claim.
The Bottom Line
A few days after the accident, if you feel like you’re back to your healthy state, don’t forget to still follow your doctor’s instructions about taking it easy with physical activities. Going back to your active lifestyle sooner than your doctor told you might be used by the defendant against your injury claims. Let your injuries heal naturally over time, and don’t forget to cooperate with your lawyer and insurance company to keep them in the loop.
