Being involved in an auto accident is bad enough, but it’s even worse if you happen to sustain injuries. Not only will you have to deal with a wrecked automobile and possibly claim damages for your car and others on your auto policy, but you may also sustain a host of injuries that can result in an unknown amount of pain and suffering.
If you’re able, there are important things you can do right after the accident. Preparing yourself now to know what to do can help you be fairly compensated for injuries and other expenses that result.
The steps listed below will help you to stay on top of things and be ahead of the game. Hopefully, you’ll never have to put any of them to use, but it’s always good to be prepared for anything life and the road may throw your way.
1. Know Who’s Involved
It’s something that’s terrible to acknowledge, but most of the time, somebody is at fault in an auto accident of any kind. Texting while driving, driving while tired or even malicious driving with the intent to harm oneself or others are all things that can cause an auto accident.
If there is clear, deliberate fault that can be assessed and proven, you may be entitled to more than the usual expected compensation for your injuries. Keep your eyes on everyone at the scene, for their sake and for yours.
2. Be Open About Your Injuries
As paramedics rush to the scene or you’re taken to hospital as soon as possible, try to give them as much information as you can about where it hurts, what way you were sitting and any prior injuries or medical diagnosis you may have. Even a small twinge of pain now could lead to something more serious or prolonged later on.
So look after yourself, and let the paramedics look after you, even if you insist you’re fine and you believe that other parties involved are more in need of help. Emergency response teams know what they’re doing, and they’re going to get around to everyone involved. Don’t count yourself out no matter how you feel — it may be your downfall.
3. Track Treatments
From a severed limb to moderate whiplash, track what you’re treated for so that the insurance company or anybody else involved can be made aware as needed. You need all those involved to believe that you’ve been injured when you have — even if they can’t see it — so your immediate treatment will serve as proof. Write down, or have somebody write down for you, the name of every procedure you undergo and every medication prescribed in the time following your accident.
The bottom line is that without your health, nothing else matters. So you’ll want to ensure you’re being treated properly, regardless of what insurance companies have to do with any of it.
It’s also important that you get immediate treatment. According to Citywide Injury & Accident, an accident and injury chiropractor in Houston,“Whiplash is one of the most common injuries caused in a car wreck. Depending on the severity, whiplash injury effects can last from a week to a few months. For this reason, it is of the utmost importance that you do not delay seeing a car accident doctor.
4. Ask For Help
An accident on the road can be a traumatic experience no matter how big or small, so don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re having trouble coping with it mentally. Talk to a friend, your doctor or your regular mental health professional if you have one. You may not know you have feelings hiding deep down that are ready to burst forth at any moment. It’s okay to be shaken or traumatized. Unfortunately, many people even suffer with PTSD for years after their involvement in an auto accident. Remember that your mental health is just as important as your physical health.
It may also benefit you to get some help from a personal injury lawyer with experience in cases similar to yours. They can help you with your case and be a shoulder to lean on when you don’t know what’s going to happen next.
5. Track Your Changes
Almost everybody has a regular daily routine. An auto accident’s lasting influence — such as a long-term disability caused by it or an injury that’s going to take a while to heal — can shake that routine right up. Note what’s different now or pay attention to things you have to do differently because of your injury. Everything that relates to your injury is going to help your case.
6. Go Slowly
You never want to rush yourself to get back to normal right after a temporary or permanent life changing incident. Let your family know what has happened, tell your employer about it and explain how long you’re going to need off from work.Most importantly, don’t force yourself back out onto the road. Driving while injured is difficult. Driving while dealing with an injury caused by an incident that happened while driving can be terrifying.