Chances are that, at some point, you are going to be in a car accident. How you handle the car accident is very important, especially if you have been injured, or think that you might have been injured, as part of the accident.
Here’s what to do if you are injured in a car accident:
1. Assess Your Situation
The first thing you need to do is assess your situation. How badly are you hurt? Can you move? Is it safer to move from your current position (if you can) or to stay put? Do your best to figure out what you can do, and whether or not you need to move, or whether it makes sense to wait until medical personnel can move you.
If possible, call 9-1-1. Chances are, if you are on a well-traveled road, someone else has notified the authorities of the accident. However, if you have a cell phone, and you are able, you should make the attempt, just to be sure.
2. Help Others
If you are able to move, even if you are injured, and it is safe to move, see if there are those who need help. You might be able to offer First Aid, or help others move if they are in a dangerous situation. In some cases, it’s best if everyone stays put until the authorities arrive, but there are times that it makes sense to move, and if you can move and help others move, you should do what you can.
3. Document What You Can
When you have a relatively small injury, or an injury that doesn’t hinder you from documenting the situation, you should do what you can to record the scene. Take pictures of the damage if you can. That way, you can use the information for your insurance claims, or to back you up in other ways. As soon as you can, write down what you can remember of what happened.
It can be a good idea to keep a pencil and notepad in your car’s glove box so that you have writing materials available. Jot down a few things so that you can remember what happened later, whether you are talking with a medical professional, or whether you are giving a statement to the insurer or to the police.
4. Accept Medical Treatment
If you are injured, even if you think that you have a minor injury, it’s a good idea to get checked out by medical personnel. Remember, too, that some injuries don’t manifest until two or three days after the accident. If you feel soreness or stiffness in the days following a car accident, make sure you see your health care provider. You want to make sure that fractures, internal bruises, and other difficult-to-see injuries are discovered so that you can get the care you need.
5. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
When you have been hurt in a car accident, it can help to have a personal injury attorney on your side. There might be a great deal of paperwork to complete, or you might need to fight with someone else’s insurance company to get the compensation you are entitled to. All of this takes effort, and you’ve been injured. It makes more sense to hire a knowledgeable attorney to take care of these issues — and to fight for you — while you concentrate on getting better.
When you suffer an injury in a car accident, it helps to have someone who can be on your side, and make efforts on your behalf. Contact us so that we can work for your best interests, and help you recover financially. We are here to help.
