There are over 5.8 million car accidents every year on U.S. roads, and there’s an unfortunate likelihood that you may be in one of them. Fortunately, the more proactive you are about knowing what to do in the event of an accident, the more peace of mind you’ll have should one happen. That said, to protect yourself, your car, and your money, here are five key things you need to do immediately after a car accident.
1. Call the Police
You might be tempted to let the incident go if it’s only a fender bender. However, you should always contact the police after a car accident. People are usually in shock after colliding with another vehicle. As such, they often only notice vehicular and bodily damage later.
It is in your best interest to contact the local police and allow them to get pictures of the incident and write an honest police report using any details they find. You might need that information later if you decide to get help from a reliable attorney for your case.
2. Go to the Doctor
Many accident victims also make the horrible mistake of foregoing a doctor’s visit after they’ve been in an accident. It would help if you visited a hospital or doctor’s office immediately after getting into an incident, so they can assess your injuries. Adrenaline plays a huge role in post-accident behaviors, and many people overlook the depths of their injuries until it’s too late.
Go to a doctor and get a full report with details about your X-rays, examinations, diagnoses, and treatments. Be sure to get a copy of your bills and any money you have to spend on the services. That documentation can help you later on in the process. Also, ensure you visit your doctor regularly after your accident. Medical experts suggest visiting a doctor once a year, whether you have an illness or injury or are in perfect health.
3. File for Compensation
You will most likely need time to recover from your injuries and the trauma the car accident caused. Several resources may be available, including long-term and short-term disability benefits. Apply for those resources if needed because they will help you make it through your recovery period financially.
4. Visit a Personal Injury Attorney
Next, you must consider visiting a personal injury attorney. This type of specialist is available to help accident victims who get injuries because of other people’s neglect. Several qualifying factors could render your accident a personal injury. For example, your accident might be a personal injury if the other driver hit you because of speeding, illegal turning, distracted driving, etc. Road rage is another incident that can qualify you for such compensation.
Furthermore, you might be eligible because of a manufacturer defect in your car. However, it would help if you contacted a reliable attorney to figure it out. Schedule an appointment for a consultation to see if you’re eligible for a settlement. The proceeds from that settlement might be enough to pay all your medical bills, lost work wages, and more. The best part is that you will have nothing to lose by trying. Most attorneys in the field of personal injury offer free initial consultations.
5. Practice Safety Measures
The last useful tip we can give you is to focus on safety measures from this day forward. Always follow the rules of the road whenever you drive a car. Enlist a designated driver if you ever intend to drink while your vehicle is with you.
Steer clear of other vehicles when the weather is bad and ensure you keep a safe following distance. Last, take care of yourself if you ride a motorcycle. Your helmet is your lifeline and can save you if you ever get into an accident.
Wearing motorcycle boots can help you too. Reports from Marine Corps Safety and Force Preservation say that wearing the boots can reduce foot injury risks by 45% and open wound injury by 90%. Thus, putting those boots on your feet before you get on the road will be well worth it.
The above tips will help you navigate life if you ever have a car accident. Use every piece of advice to give yourself the best opportunity to recover from the incident.
