Just thinking about a car accident can be stressful, never mind actually getting in one. They can result in serious injuries and medical bills, potentially total your car, lead to headaches with insurance companies, and possibly even lead to lawsuits. To make matters worse, they’re not even uncommon. In fact, in 2019 alone, the United States had 33,244 fatal car crashes recorded, which resulted in 36,096 total deaths. Well over 4 million crashes occur each year that result in serious injuries that require medical attention. Because of this, it’s highly recommended that you keep a first aid kit and other survival supplies in your car.
Auto accidents are incredibly stressful, and it can be difficult to think straight after you’ve been involved in one. Still, it’s important to remain as calm as possible and try to think about the situation rationally. Here are the most important things you should do after a car accident.
Check for Injuries
Car accident cases are notorious for property damage, and while you may be thinking of your car after it’s hit, the most important thing to do is to ensure the safety of everyone in the area. This starts with checking yourself for injuries like broken bones or lacerations.
If you’ve deemed yourself to be in good shape, you’ll next need to check on the other driver’s party and any pedestrians in the area. If an injury has occurred, you may be able to assist with your first aid kit, but you need to dial 911, so medical professionals can assess the scene.
Collect Evidence
If you’re able to do so, the accident scene itself is the best place to gather any photographic or video evidence anyone may have taken of the accident and to gather witness reports on the situation. Take photographs of any injuries you’ve suffered, as well as all property damage to your vehicle.
If damage to your car is bad, you may wonder if it’s a good time to trade in vehicle Regina. You’re unlikely to get much out of a damaged car, but it’s better than a total loss. If damages are just mild and cosmetic, you may still be able to get a decent deal and trade in toward a new vehicle.
Keep all evidence, including a copy of the police report (if applicable), so you’ll have everything you need to make an insurance claim later. If it comes to it, you may even need this evidence for a car accident case.
Get Medical Attention
Even if you don’t think you were injured, it’s crucial to get a check-up after a car accident. Some injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury, may not show immediate symptoms, but consequences can be dire if they’re left unchecked. In addition to your personal safety, you’ll want to get quick medical care so that your medical records will prove that all your injuries were caused by the accident. The longer you wait to receive care, the harder this is to prove, and an insurance company may try to discredit your injury claim.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
If you believe your insurance claim has been unfairly denied by an insurer, or you seek punitive damages from a negligent or drunk driver, you’ll need the assistance of a professional like this New York City accident lawyer. The good news for you is that a personal injury attorney typically works on contingent fees, meaning that you’ll only have to pay them a percentage of your settlement if you win the case.
Because of this, however, these attorneys are cautious about what cases they take on since each one is a risk. This is where having your evidence prepared ahead of time will be beneficial. The better job you can do of convincing an attorney that you have a solid personal injury case, the more likely they are to take your case on to try and lead you to a successful settlement.
