Motor vehicle accidents are scary and unexpected. Accidents can cause costly, painful injuries that require long recovery times while you miss work.
You cannot prepare for an accident, but knowing what to do after an accident can help you recover both physically and financially.
Check For Injuries
If injured, call an ambulance right away. If uninjured, check your passengers and the other driver for injuries if it is safe to do so. Call for help for anyone who needs medical assistance.
Report The Accident
Even if you have no injuries and there is only minor damage to your vehicle, you should always report a motor vehicle collision. An official police report will include photographs, witness statements and details about the scene. All of these items will be helpful in pursuing an insurance claim or for any lawsuit that may follow.
Follow Through On All Medical Care
If you received emergency care right after the accident, follow through with all recommended appointments. If you did not visit the emergency room immediately after the crash, but experience any new discomfort or pain hours or days later, see a doctor as soon as possible. Follow through with all recommended medical care, even if you think you are feeling better.
Keep Track Of Expenses
As you recover from your injuries, keep track of all of your medical expenses and hours of work you missed during your recovery. Records of these expenses and losses will help your chances of recovering your medical costs and lost wages.
Always inform your insurance company of a collision, but do not accept the first thing they offer you without consulting an attorney.