Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatizing experience, especially if there was severe injury and property damage. You may have been left with medical bills to pay, stress about the future, and all the while just trying to heal from your injuries. It’s important to know what to do and what not to do in the moments and days after a vehicle collision, so that you are taking care of your health but also protecting your best interests legally.
Always call 911 if an accident happens. You may have been injured with symptoms that have yet to develop, or your symptoms are obviously apparent and you need medical attention immediately. Depending on the severity and type of your injuries, you may have been rushed to the hospital and needed further care. Along with treating your injuries, there are going to be medical bills that need to be paid. The more evidence you have against the other driver, the more likely they will be held financially responsible for your medical costs and other losses. As a car accident attorney from Glotzer & Leib, LLP explains, injuries that are common in car accidents are listed as follows:
- Broken bones
- Sprains and strains
- Soft tissue damage
- Internal bleeding
- Head or brain injury
- Spinal cord damage
- Lacerations and bruising
- Whiplash
- Mental trauma
You must always call the police for help so that an officer can arrive at the scene and document what happened through a police report. The medical documentation you receive at the doctor’s office and a copy of the police report is going to be influential not only for your insurance, but as a way to show that the other driver was at fault and should be liable for your monetary loss. If you notice bystanders who saw the accident happen, or the aftermath of it, ask if they are willing to give you their name and form of contact so that you can get an official statement story from them later.
Human memory is imperfect, so consider taking a moment to write down exactly how things happened through your perspective. Note down what time of day it was, the condition of the weather, in which direction you were traveling and what the other driver was doing before the crash. Also include any other details that you noticed that may have contributed to the accident, such as construction or potholes on the road. By writing down what you saw, it’s going to help you remember all the details that could be impactful in your car accident claim and in pursuing compensation from the at fault driver.
If you were involved in a serious car wreck, then it’s imperative to take every step needed to ensure you get proper medical care and repayment for your losses. Drivers who choose to act recklessly should be held responsible for how others have been affected. Consider reaching out to a legal team for further insight on what to do next.
