Whether you’re the driver or the passenger, it’s always best to get medical care immediately after a car accident. Not only can it help ensure that your injuries are not worse than they need to be, but it could also strengthen your claim for compensation if you choose to take legal action.
1. Neglect to seek medical treatment
Even if you do not have a serious injury, it’s still important to see a doctor as soon as possible after a car crash. A doctor can check for signs of internal bleeding, fractures, a concussion or other ailments that may not be noticeable until days after the accident.
2. Failure to take notes of your injuries
It’s a good idea to make note of any pain or discomfort you experience after a car accident, but this is especially crucial if you’re in the hospital. The doctors who see you will likely prescribe a course of treatment, and if you fail to follow it, the insurance company car accident lawyer might argue that your pain isn’t related to your accident.
3. Not obtaining witness contact information
It’s not uncommon for witnesses to leave the scene of an accident before police arrive, which means that you might have trouble getting their contact information later on. It’s best to ask the people involved in the crash for their names, phone numbers and vehicle identification numbers.
4. Injured passengers should keep their distance from the drivers
If there are any passengers who remain in the vehicle, make sure they do not talk to the other driver and that they stay away from the crash scene until law enforcement arrives. If you’re able, obtain their contact information and keep them posted on the progress of the police investigation.
5. Take photographs of the vehicles and the crash site
Once you have the contact information for all parties, it’s time to start documenting everything that went on at the scene of the accident. This will help you to establish the facts of the case and will strengthen your personal injury claim if you decide to pursue damages against the at-fault driver.
6. Notify the at-fault driver’s insurancecompany
Every state has a time limit for filing injury claims, so it’s important to contact the at-fault driver’s insurance company as quickly as you can after an accident. In most states, the insurance company will want to know as soon as possible if you are ready to file a claim and if they have any questions about your accident.
7. Avoid strenuous activity after an accident
The shock of the accident may have a negative effect on your ability to work and your overall lifestyle, so you should refrain from putting your energy into anything that requires physical strength. You should also ice down any injuries, get plenty of rest and drink lots of water.
8. If you have any mental or emotional issues after a car accident, seek help as soon as possible
Having physical injuries from an auto accident can lead to mental health problems such as insomnia, nightmares and depression. It’s important to consult a therapist as soon as you can if you feel any of these symptoms develop after an accident.