Have you or your loved one ever been involved in a car accident, got stranded, and wondered what to do? Car accidents can be traumatizing and cause confusion on what to do or whom to contact. Statistics show that 20-50 million individuals get injured in car accidents each year. Some of these injuries are major, while others are minor.
Here is a step by step guide on what to do after being in a car accident.
Go to A Safer Area
If you've been involved in a car crash, ensure your safety first together with that of your passengers.
Get out of the car if you are not severely hurt and identify a safe area where you can stay. Consider calling the police to help you request medical help if you or your passenger are severely injured. The police will also help you protect the evidence from being tampered with if you are going to make an injury claim with the insurance company.
Check for Injuries
In case you are involved in a car accident, check for injuries before anything else. Some injuries may be physical or even internal, which may be critical. Ensure you visit a doctor after the accident for a checkup to identify the injuries' extent and avoid any complications that may arise from the sustained injuries. Even when there are no visible injuries on your body, going for a checkup will ensure that any underlying problems are detected.
Visiting a doctor after a car accident is important if you are thinking of filing an injury claim.
Document the Accident
If you are not severely hurt, consider taking pictures of the accident scene, the damages, people involved, and anything else that may be relevant to support your claim. Taking photos immediately after an accident is vital as they show exactly how and what transpired. If you have severe injuries, you can ask for help from a reliable person.
Get Legal Advice
Consult a car accident lawyer who will guide you on the legal steps you will need to take. Before filing your claim, ensure the lawyer is there with you since the insurance company may use the information you provide against you.
A car accident attorney Detroit (or wherever you are) will help you ensure you get compensated fairly for the losses incurred during the accident. This will enable you to sort out any financial struggles/burdens resulting from the accident. These losses may be in terms of medical bills, lost wages, punitive damages, and decreased earning capacity.
Don't forget to inform your attorney of everything you can remember about the accident that may assist in the compensation negotiations.
Report the Accident
Many insurance providers require the insured to report the accident immediately. After being involved in an accident, you may tend to relax and think that your insurance company will compensate for the injuries and damages. Ensure you inform them about the accident as soon as possible.
The insurance company will need to have evidence of injury before engaging in any claim compensation negotiations. Check with your insurance provider whether your policy offers any medical benefits. Ensure you cooperate and disclose any information you think will be relevant to the insurer. Avoid giving false information because this can lead to you not being compensated.
Sometimes, car accidents can be unpreventable. After being involved in a car accident, it's crucial to take the above steps. They will protect you from problems like adverse health conditions and a lack of compensation from your insurance company. That way, your financial burdens will be eased. Don't let lack of knowledge lead you to problems that could easily be avoided.
