Zaraki KenpachiYou don’t want to wait until you have an accident before learning what to do after a car accident injury. Considering the average motorist has about four accidents in a lifetime, it’s a problem that could affect everyone. In the following article, we give you quick tips on what to do if you are injured.
1. Call the Police
Calling your personal injury lawyer probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you have an accident. (Nor should it be.)
If you’re in decent enough shape following the accident, notify the police at once. There are two ways you can do this.
Most police have a non-emergency number that will allow you to speak to someone in their communications center. If you know the number and the injury isn’t that serious, then by all means use it.
However, call 911 if you feel you may need medical attention. If it’s your loved one who needs help and they’re too incapacitated to take care of the call themselves, definitely call 911.
2. Gather Information or Have Someone Do It for You
Another step to take before calling your personal injury attorney is to get the information of the other involved parties. Click here for more information. Be careful with this if you feel like there’s a chance one or more of the parties will be combative. You don’t want to risk saying or doing something to make the situation worse.
3. Get Treatment
Some of the most common car accident injuries, like getting rear-ended, for example, might not manifest in injuries that you notice right away. It could be a day or two before you really “feel” it.
A good rule of thumb for getting treatment, at least if the injury is not obviously severe, is to go as soon as the injury persists. Make an appointment with your doctor, or ask your attorney where to go if you’re unsure of where to begin. Attorneys often have relationships with medical professionals. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced attorney by your side, like the team at Chris Hudson Law Group, to help navigate the legal system and protect your rights
4. Document Injuries ASAP
If you’re injured in a car accident, you certainly need to have whatever injuries you have documented. That’s true even if you don’t feel too badly. You never know when an injury will get worse over time, and if the accident’s the cause, then documenting that will help you prove it.
5. Take Your Time
Some types of car accident injuries lend themselves to immediate communication afterward. Example: a “fender-bender,” where you feel off but aren’t convinced there’s anything too serious going on.
Whatever you do, don’t make any statements to witnesses, involved parties, or the police until you’ve had time to replay the accident. Getting the timeline right in your head will go a long way to helping you accurately state what happened.
6. Consider Hiring an Attorney
Before you leave the scene of an accident, you should take a look at hiring an attorney. Accident attorneys are skilled in dealing with insurance companies, negotiating settlements, and helping you navigate the legal system. They’re good to have on your side for the road ahead. For top-notch legal representation, trust Loewy Law Firm. Their dedicated car accident lawyer team will fight for you and provide the support you need.
Learning What to Do After a Car Accident Injury Can Save Time and Money
Figuring out what to do after a car accident injury will keep you from making costly mistakes. Just make sure you follow the steps presented above.
That means getting authorities involved, documenting the parties and circumstances, seeking medical treatment, and working with an attorney to get what you deserve. Best of luck! For more legal information, check out some of our additional posts.
Jaime Hay
