A car accident typically comes without notice. One second you’re safe and sound in your vehicle, but the next you’re injured and wondering what’s to come.
While no two car accidents share the exact same circumstances, anyone who finds themselves dealing with the aftermath should take these steps:
- Get to safety: Whether you do this depends largely on the type of accident, your injuries and the damage to your vehicle. If you can move your vehicle to safety, do so. But if you can’t, stay where you are until help arrives.
- Focus on your injuries: Your health should take priority at this time, so check yourself for injuries and administer first-aid until paramedics arrive at the scene. Also, even if you’re feeling okay, make sure you’re examined at a local hospital.
- Follow your treatment plan: Working with your medical team, you’ll implement a treatment plan designed to help you make a full recovery. Follow this treatment plan as closely as possible, as neglecting to do so can result in complications and a slower recovery period.
- Review your insurance policy: Before contacting your insurance agent to file a claim, review your policy to ensure that you understand your coverage.
- File an insurance claim: It doesn’t matter if you do so online or by calling your agent, this is a step you should take as soon as your health allows. In the event of serious injuries that make it impossible to do so, have a loved one take this step on your behalf.
- Learn more about your legal rights: Filing an insurance claim is a good start to obtaining the compensation you deserve, but that’s often just the beginning. There are other things you can do, such as filing a personal injury claim, to help you collect compensation for everything from injuries to lost wages to property damage.
If possible, take these steps after a car accident. Doing so will help you gain control of the situation, while giving you some peace of mind regarding the future.
Your health is priority number one, but once that’s in order your attention should turn to protecting your legal rights.
