Have you been involved in a motor vehicle accident? If so, you may be wondering what to do next. It can be stressful to be involved in a car accident, but this is not something you have to go through alone. There are professionals who have dedicated their lives to helping those in need. At the same time, there are several important steps you need to take. What do you need to do after being involved in a car accident? What should you do if you have been injured?
Always Call the Authorities to the Scene of the Accident
The first thing you need to do is call the authorities for help. You need the police to come and document what happened in the accident. This is going to act as a permanent record of how the accident took place. Make sure you explain the accident clearly to the police officer. Even if the accident appears minor, you should still call a police officer for help. You never know if there is serious damage underneath the surface.
If people are injured, you need to call for emergency medical personnel as well. That way, everyone receives the medical care they require. Take a look around and see if anybody needs help.
Seek Medical Care as Quickly as Possible
You might feel fine after a motor vehicle accident. No matter how good you might feel, you need to seek medical care. You will have a lot of adrenaline going through your system after a motor vehicle accident. Adrenaline can conceal a lot of serious injuries. Even though you might feel fine right now, you may be in serious pain later. For this reason, you should seek medical care following every motor vehicle accident. You need to get checked out by a doctor to make sure there aren't any serious injuries. You never know what a doctor might find, and if you do not seek medical care quickly, overlooked injuries could get worse. This can make a serious difference in your overall prognosis.
Document Everything
You need to document everything that happens during and after the accident. Memories can fade, and you need to make sure you have an accurate record of what happened. Even though the police officers are going to write down everything people say, you should take a few pictures for yourself. That way, you have evidence to back up your side of the story. After you see a doctor, you should request a copy of your medical records. That way, you know exactly what happened, what the doctor decided to do, and what you have to do to take care of your injury. You might need this if you decide to pursue a claim later.
Reach Out to a Car Accident Lawyer
Finally, you should always reach out to a car accident lawyer for help. If you have been involved in a serious accident, you might be facing serious medical bills. If you are unable to return to work following an accident, this might make it even harder to make ends meet. If the accident is the fault of someone else, you should not have to bear this financial burden on your own. An auto accident lawyer can take a look at the accident, figure out what happened, and let you know if you might be entitled to compensation. Furthermore, a lawyer can make sure you don't get a financial settlement that is less than what you deserve, and will work with the insurance company to make sure of this.
Matt Lalande of Lalande Personal Injury Lawyers says “NEVER let the insurance company adjuster take control and dictate your case. You need someone on your side from day one to help you make decisions.” Talking to a lawyer is the right call after any car accident.
Ask for Help Following a Car Accident
These are just a few of the most important steps you need to take if you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident. It is important for everyone to put safety at the top of the priority list when they get behind the wheel of a car. Unfortunately, not everyone is going to take safety as seriously as you do. If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, do not forget to call the authorities, even if the accident appears minor. You should always seek medical care, even if you feel okay after a car accident. Finally, reach out to an auto accident lawyer for help. You may be entitled to compensation.