What should I do after an auto accident?
It’s no secret that car accident statistics are staggering. In addition to the fact that more than 90 people die every day in car accidents, a shocking 3 million people are injured every year! Of those 3 million people who get injured, about 2 million drivers endure permanent injuries as a result of their accidents.
Distracted driving, speeding, and reckless driving are 3 of the most common reasons behind car crashes. And if you’ve been in an auto accident, you don’t always realize you’re injured right away. More often than not, car accident victims don’t know they’ve been injured until hours or even days after they’ve endured a crash.
What to Do at the Scene
There are certain things you should do right away in the event of a crash.
First and foremost, if you feel hurt or in pain immediately after a car crash, don’t wait to seek medical attention. If you’re up for it, take as many photos of the collision as you can. Don’t admit fault or apologize for the accident as this can be taken into account as an admittance of guilt.
Get a police officer there to write a report, and ask for a copy. Note any witnesses and get their names and contact information to hand over to your lawyer. If anyone asks if you’re hurt, say that you’re not sure (unless you’re 100% positive that you aren’t). It’s the truth. Seek medical attention regardless of what you feel. Make sure you inform your doctor that you’re coming from a car accident.
Don’t Wait to Seek Medical Attention
After the trauma of a car accident, it might be tempting to go home to try and unwind and forget about what happened for a moment.
However, the best thing you can do for the damage to your car, the health of your body and mind, and your legal right to ask for compensation, is to see a doctor. Even if you aren’t in much pain initially, you have no idea the extent to which that pain could affect your life down the road, especially if you don’t get treatment.
Even if you’re sure your neck pain or anxiety will go away, see a doctor so that you can rest easy knowing you’re getting the care you need and deserve. Make sure you tell any medical professional you see that you were recently in a car accident as it will help them to better diagnose and treat any injuries you may have.
If you wait too long to see a medical professional, it looks suspicious as there are always drivers and car accident victims who try and take advantage of the claims system. A defense attorney will be the first to use it against you if you waited too long to see a doctor for your injuries.
Remember that as important it is to seek medical attention the very first time, it’s just as important to be consistent and continue to attend follow-up appointments and adhere to your doctor’s treatment plan.
Questions?
If you have a question about your legal rights, please feel free to call Attorney John Radshaw in New Haven today at (203) 654-9695. For more information about Attorney Radshaw and his practice, visit www.jjr-esq.com.