In some cases, car accidents are unavoidable. Unfortunately, there are many cases where there was a contributing factor to the accident that could have been avoided.
One such factor is drowsiness, which can occur at any time of the day or night. If you have been hit by a drowsy driver, it’s important to know what steps to take so that you can make a full recovery. Here are a few of those steps to help you think through the process.
Call the Police
It’s important to call the police so that they can file an accident report. This report is crucial later on as you try to establish the fact that the driver who caused the accident was drowsy.
The police report will note important details like this, which will give you irrefutable evidence to back up your claim. Plus, if the accident occurs on a busy road, the police can help safely route the flow of traffic to ensure that neither you nor the other driver receives any further injuries.
Check for Injuries
When drowsiness is involved in an accident, it’s often the case that the impact between the vehicles is fairly significant. No matter how fast the vehicles were going, though, it’s a good idea to have yourself checked for any internal injuries. Even if nothing is detected and you notice soreness and stiffness in the days following the crash, you’ll want to seek out a chiropractor or physical therapist to ensure you recover as quickly as possible.
Contact an Attorney
Driving while impaired in any way is a serious crime that puts others at risk. If the other driver was drowsy when the accident occurred, then you have a strong case against them to be able to gain compensation for any injuries or other problems that resulted from the accident. A personal injury attorney will be able to look at all of the available evidence to establish a solid case to help you get all the money you deserve.
Find a Trusted Repair Shop
If your car isn’t totaled in the accident, you’ll want to find a good repair shop to get your vehicle back to its original state. Be sure to thoroughly research your options, as there are many repair shops that are willing to take your money but will do a shoddy job.
This could result in an unsafe or unreliable vehicle, leading to more trouble down the road. A quality repair shop, though, will explain in detail what needs to be done so that you can keep track of the progress that’s being made.
A car crash is likely to result in some mental trauma that can make you uncomfortable when you’re driving. If this becomes severe, you may need to discuss your struggles with a professional who can help you overcome your fears. Even with your fears, though, it’s important to keep going so that your fear doesn’t become crippling to the point that you can no longer drive.
Author information: Anica Oaks is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here.
