Every year, thousands of people across the United States are injured in a car accident. While a car accident can be one of the most challenging experiences, it’s often possible to recover, both physically and financially. The following guide provides simple tips and tricks on what to do after a car accident.
After a car accident, it’s important to call 911 immediately. Even if you aren’t injured, the person in the other vehicle may be injured. Don’t delay when it comes to dialing 911. Always call immediately after an accident. In some cases, even a few minutes can make a huge difference. Make sure to give the 911 dispatcher your location. If you don’t know where you are at, look for local landmarks or other features that you can describe to the 911 dispatcher.
While you are on the phone with 911, get out of your car and check on the other driver. If he or she has injuries, make sure to describe them to the 911 dispatcher.
If you’re severely injured in a car accident, don’t try to get out of your vehicle. In some cases, a neck or back injury can end up being worse by moving. If you have severe pain in your head, neck, or back, don’t move. Wait until paramedics arrive.
After you’ve assessed any injuries to yourself and to the other driver, it’s time to begin taking pictures. Using your smartphone, take a series of photos (or video) of the crash site and vehicles. Make sure to note the time of day, the weather, and driving conditions at the time of the accident. If there are skid marks on the road, make sure to get those on film too.
If you think you have injuries, consider going to the emergency room. In some cases, an emergency room physician will conduct imaging studies to determine if there are any soft tissue or bone injuries that aren’t visible. If you feel any discomfort or pain at all following an accident, make sure to communicate that to the emergency room physician. This information can be used in court in support of a personal injury claim.
If you’ve been injured in a vehicle accident, it can be difficult to know what you should do next. Before making any decisions, make sure to contact a personal injury attorney for help. An attorney can help assess your unique situation and determine the best way to move forward.
