6 Steps Following an Accident
Car accidents are all too common. You might be the world’s safest driver, but accidents on the road can happen to anyone, at any time. Every year, over 20 million people are injured in car accidents, and 1.3 million people die. It’s important to stay safe on the roads, but it’s also important to know what to do after an accident. Don’t miss any of the following steps if you experience an accident.
Swap Information with the Other Driver
Unless you and the other driver are seriously injured, you should both pull over and exchange information. You can do this on the side of the road or in a nearby parking lot. If the other driver fails to do this, you can call the police. You should know each other’s names and numbers if you want to report the accident to your insurance companies.
Call Your Family
Right after your accident, you might feel a little dazed, but it’s important that you call your family. You should let someone know what happened right away. If you were on your way home, and you’re going to be delayed, they might worry until you give them a call. If you were on your way to work, make sure you give your employer a call right away, too.
See Your Doctor
You might not feel any pain after your accident. You should still see your doctor, however. You’re entitled to certain insurance claims after an accident, but only if you see your doctor within a week or two. Your doctor can identify a concussion, damage to your neck, back, or shoulders. Your symptoms might not manifest for a while, so make sure you visit your doctor regardless of how you feel.
Contact a Lawyer
Whether you were at fault for your accident or not, you’re still entitled to certain financial compensations. A personal injury lawyer can help you after an accident. They’ll work with the insurance companies on your behalf, winning you compensation for any injury you suffered during the crash. Even if all you need is chiropractic visits, a Kansas City car accident lawyer says that a personal injury lawyer is your best ally in paying your bills. If your accident involved a commercial vehicle, it would be best to call in a Connecticut commercial accident attorney over a personal injury lawyer.
Repair or Replace Your Car
Your car would have been damaged, in some way, by the accident. You might need to replace the bumper, smooth dents in a door, or have the engine repaired. If your accident was more severe, it might be worth it to buy a new car instead. You can start your search with used cars for sale and find the right vehicle to replace your damaged one.
Take Time to Heal
After an accident, your body will have some healing to do. You may need physical therapy or even surgery. You may need to rest and recover from a concussion. It may be a few months before you’re totally back to normal, and it’s important to be patient with yourself and your body as you heal. Soon, you’ll be back on your feet, and the better care you take of yourself, the faster you’ll heal.
