3 Steps to Take if You’re Injured in a Car Accident

Whether you’re a busy stay-at-home mom, you have your own home business, or you work traditional hours at an office job, chances are you’re running all over the place every day. But, you don’t even necessarily have to spend a lot of time in your car to be at risk of an accident. In Great Britain alone in 2018, there were over 25,000 injuries due to vehicle-related accidents. 

While no one wants to think about getting in a car accident, the reality is it can happen to anyone, and it’s important to be prepared. While little things like having a natural first aid kit in your car can help with minor cuts and bruises, if you face more serious injuries, there are certain steps you’ll need to take to protect yourself and kick off your road to recovery. 

1. Call the Authorities

The very first thing you should do if you’re in a car accident is to assess your injuries, as well as your passengers’ injuries. Then, contact the police right away to report the accident. 

While you’re waiting for the police to arrive, be careful of what you might say to other people nearby. Don’t apologize to the other person involved in the accident or say anything that might indicate it was your fault. Unfortunately, it can be all too easy for them to use that against you. 

Calling the police to file a report will make filing a claim with your insurance company much easier, so you can get compensated for the damage repairs, and possibly even some medical expenses. 

2. Seek Medical Treatment Immediately

It’s important to go to the hospital right away after an accident, even if you don’t see any visible injuries. While cuts are common, there can be even more serious injuries going on beneath the surface. Getting checked out at the hospital can help you to find out if you have a concussion or any internal issues. Getting an exam also helps you when it comes to gathering evidence for your insurance company. 

3. Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer

If the accident wasn’t your fault and you have enough evidence, you may benefit from a personal injury attorney. They can help you to better understand your rights and what you might be entitled to, financially, from the other party involved in the accident. 

Hiring a personal injury attorney isn’t about revenge and it isn’t even about being cruel to the other person in the accident. But, if you can’t afford to pay for your car’s repairs or your medical bills, the person who caused the accident should be required to help. Going to court and hiring an experienced lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve. 

No one wants to think about the possibility of getting injured in an auto accident. But, we all lead busy lives, and an accident can happen in the blink of an eye. If you do find yourself in an accident, keep these steps in mind to protect yourself from beginning to end. 

*This is a collaborative post