What to Do After a Car Accident Injury

Driving a car is convenient and fun, but it can also be dangerous. Of course, no one wants to think that they could get involved in an accident every time they get behind the wheel.

Nonetheless, accidents do happen. While it’s important to drive safely and do everything you can to prevent them, you must be prepared for the worst-case scenario. It’s crucial to know exactly what to do after a car accident injury.

Here is what to do after a car accident injury:

1. Never drive away from a car accident

One of the most important things you have to remember is that you should never just drive away from the scene of a car accident. You have to stop, even if it was just a minor collision.

Your priority is to determine whether you or one of your passengers need immediate medical attention. If this is the case, you should first call an ambulance.

If everyone seems fine, you should still visit a doctor after properly handling the situation.

2. Take your car to the side of the road if you can

If your car is severely damaged and you got seriously injured, you should leave the accident scene in an ambulance. But if you only suffered minor injuries, be sure to drive your car to the side of the road, where it won’t risk causing another collision.

The other driver involved in the accident should do the same.

3. Call the police so they can file a report

Even though the policy does not always visit the scene of minor collisions, you should still call the police so they can file a report. This report will help you file a claim with your car insurance company, so make sure you request a copy of it.

If the police show up at the accident scene, tell them everything you know about it.

The police might call a tow truck if you need one. If not, you will have to do it yourself.

4. Tell the police that you got injured

If the police ask if you are injured, tell them about your injury if it is apparent. But keep in mind that it might take hours, days, or maybe even weeks for the pain caused by a car accident injury to be felt.

You might feel just fine right after the accident but could be in terrible pain later. If you’re not sure whether you got injured or not, simply tell the police officer that you are not sure.

5. Document the accident as well as you can

You should document the accident as well as you can. This will be even more important if the police don’t show up.

Collect the names and contact information of everyone involved in the accident and any witnesses. You should also collect the driver’s license number of any driver involved, information about their vehicle, and their car insurance policy number.

Finally, use your phone to take photos of the scene, and the damage is done to your car.

6. Contact a personal injury lawyer

Depending on your situation, you might need to contact a personal injury lawyer to make sure you can receive fair compensation for your injuries. Above all, you should never make a statement to the other driver’s insurance company without first speaking with a lawyer.

Your injury lawyer will need documentation related to your accident, and they might even have to contact witnesses of the event.

7. Don’t discuss responsibility with the other driver involved

It’s best to avoid discussing responsibility with the other driver involved in the accident. If you think you are responsible for the collision, don’t admit it. Let your insurance company determine who was responsible instead.

Above all, don’t accuse the other driver of being guilty. You might be perfectly calm, but perhaps you will have to deal with an angry or aggressive driver. If this is the case, limit your interactions with them as much as possible.

8. See a doctor as soon as possible

You should then see a doctor as soon as you can. Even if you feel just fine, it’s best to get some medical attention to ensure you are not suffering from a concussion, a spinal cord injury, or an internal injury.

Your doctor will evaluate your condition and file a medical report.

9. Call your car insurance company

Even if the accident was only a minor collision, you must notify your car insurance company and file a claim. This is where your copy of the police report and any report produced by your doctor will be the most useful.

It will be up to your insurance company to determine who was at fault and how you should be compensated.