7 Steps that you need to do immediately after a car accident.

1. Maintain your presence of mind.

It is important to always maintain your presence of mind in any emergencies especially in any kind of accident. Having a clear mind lets you react more quickly and see things differently. 

2. Check your surroundings

You always need to check your surroundings after a car accident. It is advisable to get out of your car and check it physically to see if there is any smoke, fire or leaking fuel. When doing so, remember to avoid traffic as best as you can. The law requires us to give reasonable assistance to anyone that is injured after the car accident.

3. Call the Police

You’ll need to call the Police because they will need to do a police report about the car accident for later records. Police reports can be an insurance requirement if there is extensive damage to your car. The Police can also help you in cases when you are dealing with an angry driver.

4. Avoid Apologizing after an accident

Apologizing after the accident might make it appears as if you are the one at fault for it. If questioned, answer each question truthfully and to the best of your abilities. Do not, however, admit fault for the car accident, leave that for others to determine.

5. Get the other driver’s information.

It’s a good idea to exchange driver’s license and car insurance information with other drivers if possible. This can be helpful for your future reference.

6. Take Pictures

It is also advisable to take pictures of the accident; it can be used as evidence when needed. Take as many pictures as you can about the accident and the damages it caused.

7. Contact your car insurance provider

It is best to contact them as soon as possible. This way you can have the paper works completed early and have your claim.

Car related accident injuries can be expensive and painful. It is a proven fact and based on statistics that most car-related accidents are caused by negligence. It can be traumatic to those people involved. They can affect you emotionally as well as financially. There will be hospitalization costs, treatment and rehabilitation, as well as salaries, lost. In the worst cases, it can cost our life or suffer permanent injuries that can lead to disabilities.

The Next Thing to Do.

• See what your medical insurance can cover for you. 
• Observe your health and document unusual symptoms.
• Try to get your car out of tow-yard as soon as possible to avoid fees.
• Document lost wages and notify your employer about the accident if you are unfit to work.
• Open a claim with the other driver’s insurance company.
• Avoid talking to an insurance adjuster and signing and liens or releases of information until you talk with your lawyer.
• Avoid posting any information about accidents online. Its content might be used against you when trying to file for a claim.

Common types of accident Injuries

The severity of the injuries during car accidents depends on the intensity of the crash. Here are some of the common injuries:

• Head Injuries: This may include concussions or contusions, or worse brain injuries. They could result in memory issues, seizures or loss of consciousness. The extent of the injury depends on the severity of the accident.
• Back and neck injuries: The impact of a car accident on the vehicle’s occupants can cause sprains, strains, fractures, disc, and spinal injuries. Whiplash is the common cause of neck injuries. Symptoms may appear late and can take up to a few days.
• Facial Injuries: facial damage depends on the severity of the accident. In moderate severity of accidents, the most common are broken noses and some dental or jaw damage.
• Internal Injuries: In the worst cases, internal organs can be damaged or can have bleeding.
• Psychological Damage: Damages in car accidents is not limited physically. In some cases, victims can suffer serious psychological problems including depression and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

When do you need to seek Medical Attention? 

There are instances when the injuries are not apparent. It would be advisable to have a precautionary examination if you suspect that there might be something wrong in your body. Some injuries can take days or weeks to show up.

Know your Insurance

All drivers need to know and understand what type of auto insurance they have and their coverage in the event of an accident. Here are some of the insurance you should look at:

Personal Injury Protection

PIP stands for personal insurance protection (personal injury protection), and it is an extension of car insurance that covers medical expenses and, in many cases, lost wages. It is often called “no-fault” coverage because its inherent comprehensiveness pays out claims agnostic of who is at fault in the accident.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive may help cover damage to your car from things like theft, fire, hail or vandalism. If your car is damaged by a covered peril, comprehensive coverage may help pay to repair or replace your vehicle (up to the vehicle's actual cash value). This coverage has a deductible, which is the amount you'll pay out of pocket before your insurer reimburses you for a covered claim.

Collision Coverage

If you're involved in an accident with another vehicle, or if you hit an object such as a fence, collision coverage may help pay to repair or replace your car (up to its actual cash value and minus your deductible).

Documenting the Evidence

It’s Imperative to gather evidence after car accidents especially if you’ve been hurt. Failure to document and gather evidence is often the biggest mistake car accident victims make. Here are a few things to do to improve your claim.

• Make a note for the details of the accident. Try to do it as soon as possible while your memory is still fresh.
• Report all medical symptoms and take a precautionary examination
• Take photos of the accident and all visible injuries you have.
• Keep track of your workdays missed
• Observe yourself and take note of any usual feeling you are experiencing with your body after the accident.
• Keep track of your doctor appointments as well as physical therapist appointment.
• Record all your expenses related to the accident.

Have an Attorney

You should always remember that your insurance provider is a business. They will always look out for their best interests so it is critical to have your attorney to negotiate for a fair and comprehensive settlement. They can have well-trained adjusters, investigators as well as defense attorneys to keep your claim at minimum. To make sure you are fully and fairly compensated you would benefit from a free consolation with an experienced and highly trained personal injury lawyer who will look out for your own needs.