A car accident can not only be extremely devastating, but can make a significant impact on your life as well. As these incidents are unexpected, many people are at a loss as to what they should do following a crash. Knowing your rights, legal options, and being able to find respectable injury lawyers to help you through this difficult time are all imperative to making sure you can get your life back on track.
1) Call the Police
All accidents, no matter how minor you believe them to be, need to be reported to the authorities. This is not to make a large fuss, but rather to ensure that the damage, injuries, and circumstances are properly documented.
2) Get Medical Treatment
The types of injuries that are typically sustained in an automobile accident aren’t always immediately apparent. Injuries such as those to your back, head, and neck could take weeks to fully present symptoms, which is why it is imperative that you seek medical treatment following any car accident. Doctors know what signs to look for in order to see that you receive full treatment for all harm.
3) Follow Through With Treatment
Just as it is important to seek medical treatment immediately following your accident, it is also important that you follow through with your treatment. As mentioned, the typical injuries that arise form car accidents will take time to formulate and the treatment will change as they progress. In order to ensure that your body heals as much as possible from these injuries, you must follow through with and be proactive about your healing.
4) Preserve Evidence
If you are able to do so, you should try to gather as much evidence from the scene of the accident as possible. Take note, and if possible snap pictures of, any defects in the roadway that may have contributed to the crash. Also get the names and contact information for all those involved in the accident as well as any witnesses. You should also take photos of the damage done to your vehicle and all of your injuries.
5) Hire a Lawyer
One of the biggest misconceptions is that there is something wrong with seeking compensation for injuries sustained in an accident. This is a gross fallacy as it is your legal right to seek retribution for harm that has come to you as the result of someone else’s negligence. There is also little risk involved as many injury lawyers often waive the fee for their services unless they win the case. Although no one plans to be involved in an accident, sometimes it’s inevitable. But you don’t have to be taken by surprise on what to do next.
Mercedes Potter has been involved in two accidents, both of which she was at no fault and were not fatal. Here she gives advice to others on how to handle a car crash in the most appropiate way, despite the losses you may naturally incur. Follow her @CedesPotter for other advice blogs.
