Driving a car is one of those scary things about modern life where you can take all possible precautions to be safe and still end up in an accident. You can’t predict the future, and you can’t control others’ actions.
However, it’s possible to arm yourself with the knowledge you need to keep yourself safe should you ever be the victim of a car accident. By preparing in advance, you can protect your rights even when you are caught off guard by an accident.
Keep reading to learn exactly what steps you need to take as the victim of a car crash in order to protect yourself.
What to Do Right Away as a Victim of a Car Accident
First, take a moment to breathe. Your body and brain are still processing the shock of what happened. It’s okay to give yourself a few seconds to catch up to reality.
If you’re still on the road, pull off to the side. You don’t want to run the risk of being further injured by other cars on the road.
Now that you’re out of danger and have taken a few deep breaths, take stock of your surroundings. Are you or your passengers injured? If so, how badly?
You should also assess whether there is any danger in staying in the car. People with injuries shouldn’t move around too much, but if there’s any uncertainty as to whether the car may combust, you must get yourself and your passengers out of the car and to a safe distance away from the vehicle.
Next, call the police. Even if it’s a minor accident with no injuries, you should always involve the authorities. You and the other driver are in an emotionally charged state of mind. The police are a neutral third party who can calmly assess the situation.
Calling the police is especially important if you are the victim of a hit and run car accident, or the victim of a staged car accident. The police’s records will be crucial if you need to pursue the other driver legally.
What to Do Before You Leave the Scene
The police will make their own record, but it’s also crucial that you collect your own data in case you need it later.
Besides the basics such as the other party’s name, insurance information, and license plate, you should also take down details of the accident like location and time.
If you can, jot down details about your and your passengers’ injuries, whether the other party has passengers in their car and if they appear injured, and anything the other driver says that may be useful later.
For example, if they tell the police they don’t need corrective lenses to drive, and then they later show up to court in glasses, your notes might end up being the smoking gun.
In doing this, you’re not automatically assuming the other driver was acting criminally. You’re gathering the information you need to protect yourself in the worst-case scenario. If everything ends up working out fine, you can discard your notes later.
What to Do After the Accident
Of course, you should prioritize calling your insurance company as soon as possible. And you should always tell them the whole truth about what happened. They’re on your side, and they can’t properly represent you if they don’t have all the facts.
Next, even if you feel fine, you should get a medical checkup within the next few days. Explain to your doctor what happened so that they can check for neck and spinal injuries, which are all too common in car accident victims.
Even if the doctor clears you, be vigilant about your health in the weeks following the crash. It’s possible to experience delayed injury symptoms that only appear days or weeks after an accident.
If you feel something, you should go back to the doctor ASAP. Leaving these injuries untreated can lead to serious muscle and spinal issues.
How Attorneys Help Victims of Car Accidents
Finally, consider contacting a car accident attorney for a consultation. You may be wondering why you would need one if your insurance is covering you. But an attorney experienced in vehicle-related personal injury claims can mean the difference between paying thousands in medical bills or walking away without debt.
If you suspect that the other driver was at fault for the crash, or if you’re a victim of a hit and run car accident, or a victim of a staged car accident, an attorney can help you determine if you are owed compensation.
A good personal injury attorney won’t charge you upfront – only after the case is settled. An even better one won’t get paid at all unless you, the victim, get a settlement.
Victims with a car accident personal injury attorney will typically recover more money than those without. And in a situation that can possibly have lifelong physical and mental ramifications, it’s safest to at least consider hiring one.
Educate and Protect Yourself
When you know what to do in advance, being the victim of a car accident doesn’t have to be financially ruinous. With planning and foresight, you can avoid the most common and costly pitfalls of being in a car crash.
When you’re aware of your surroundings, take detailed notes, and hire a car accident attorney, you are putting yourself in the best possible position to receive the justice and compensation you deserve as a car accident victim.
Shopping Kim wants to help arm you with the knowledge you need to protect yourself and save money in car accidents and all other kinds of situations. Check out the Auto Archive for many more tips and tricks on how to be safe and frugal on the road.
