Everyone, including the most experienced drivers, can get into an accident. Statistics reveal that one in three accidents causes personal injuries to the driver or passengers. And, from this number, two out of ten accidents lead to fatal injuries.
The truth is that; a car accident is not in anyone’s hands. Safe driving can help prevent such incidences. But what if you get caught up in an unexpected car accident?
When caught up in a car accident, taking the proper steps matters most in preventing the situation from worsening. It is also necessary to help avoid delays with insurance claims. Hence, you receive your compensation faster. So, what exactly should you do in the case of a car accident? Well, there are crucial things you can do to safeguard yourself, your interest, and others who may be involved.
Stop and Stay Within the Accident Scene
You may be tempted to leave the scene immediately when you’re involved in a minor accident. But, this isn’t right. Moving out is a road traffic offense. If you can, ensure you switch off your car’s engine and then turn on the hazard lights. This will help alert other motorists of your presence.
If you had passengers along with you, check around to see whether or not all of them are safe. Seek immediate medical emergency if there are serious injuries. And, in case of any death, inform the police immediately.
So, what if one of the parties is unconscious? It is not always a good idea to move injured persons. Yet, the first concern should be to save a life. If you can, perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) on the unconscious victim(s). If several patients need first aid, you can seek help from anyone around to help you perform the CPR.
Find out the best way to give rescue breaths. If the person is unconscious but can still breathe, position them in the recovery position. Let their head stay lower than the body and call an ambulance straight away.
Call the Police to Witness and Record the Scene
Even if the accident is minor, it’s crucial to involve the police. You may need them to report so you can easily file a claim with your insurance company.
Such may include claiming possible damages to your vehicle. This explains why it’s essential to let the car involved in the accident remain on the scene, not unless interfered with by the traffic police.
So, what should you do once the police arrive?
- Ensure you make an accurate record. That means you should pay attention to your surrounding as much as possible. We understand that it can be difficult after a traumatic incident. But, the more you can recall, the better you will be able to provide an account of what happened.
- Tell the investigating police officer(s) exactly what happened, to the best of your knowledge. Under no condition should you embellish any facts? It may be tempting to do so if you think it will work in your favor.
- If you’re unsure about specific facts, let them know – Never guess anything; simply state the truth you know. Use the point above on embellishing as a reference.
- If asked whether you were hurt and you aren’t sure, say exactly that; ‘I’m not sure,’ rather than saying no – In most cases, the injuries and pain stemming from car accidents become apparent hours or days after the actual impact.
- Ensure that statements made by any other person involved in the accident are correct
Visit a Car Accident Doctor for Appropriate Medical Examination
A car accident can lead to physical and financial damage. Sometimes, an injury may be invisible after the accident, only to start showing up days after. Also, you may not know about possible internal injuries. Whether you’re hurt or appear seemingly okay after a road accident, it’s only safe to visit a car accident doctor.
Even the seemingly minor injuries can end up severe if not untreated. According to CityWideInjury, it is advisable to visit an accident and injury chiropractor for a complete physical examination. This step will help you rest assured that you’re in good health. Besides, you can quickly detect possible complications, like:
- Head injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
The specialized car accident chiropractor may take the following measures to secure your future:
- Perform an in-depth medical examination and analysis, including X-rays, CT scans
- Execute gentle, effective, and non-invasive techniques
- Establish the extent of injuries
- Offer appropriate individual treatment care and plan
- Treat different kinds of medical conditions
- Offer necessary referral to other medical specialists when necessary
Protect Your Rights with the Help of a Personal Injury Attorney
Most people may ignore this step, but it matters most. Often, it helps to consult a personal injury attorney even after a minor accident. Your lawyer can protect your rights and ensure that every valuable piece of evidence is safe.
In most cases, insurance companies would request statements immediately after an accident. It will be essential if, at this point, you have received legal advice before offering the statement.
Your attorney can advise you on several issues ranging from:
- How to ensure you receive full compensation for your vehicle
- How to guarantee you get the best medical treatment necessary
The best part is that; personal injury attorneys often operate on a contingency fee basis. This implies that there’s no legal fee applied until you receive compensation for your injuries.
Final Thoughts
When involved in a car accident; things can only get more manageable when you take appropriate measures. Never drive away from the accident’s scene. Ensure that you and other people involved in the accident are safe. Report the accident and seek medical treatment.
Most importantly, ensure that you and other people involved in the accident are safe. Call 911 whenever necessary, and inform the correspondent about any injuries.
Also, do not forget to protect your rights. You need the help of an attorney, especially if you sustained some injuries. An accident and injury chiropractor can do a thorough exam. It would also be best to speak to a car accident lawyer immediately.
