Even a minor fender-bender needs to be reported to proper authorities and insurance companies. But if you’ve been in an accident that has caused injuries, you definitely need to seek help – you’re going to need it. After you’ve been in an auto accident, these are the four things you need to do immediately.
Call the Police
This should be a given, but there are many people who don’t call right away even though they’re able to. Having a documented report with local or state law enforcement is important if you are going to proceed in getting help.
In some states, such as Michigan, you have to file a report if vehicle damage exceeds $1,000 or if anyone has been injured or killed. Also, some auto insurance policies require that you file a report in order to file an insurance claim to get coverage for damages.
Seek Immediate Medical Treatment
Again, this should be a given, but it often gets overlooked. Even if you don’t think you’re injured, you could have an internal injury that isn’t immediately obvious. Accept medical assistance on the scene and, if needed, allow yourself to be transported to a hospital or at least visit your regular doctor.
If you start experiencing any new or worsening symptoms in the days following your accident, return to your doctor to get help. This will help you get everything documented in case you want to file an auto accident claim.
Document All Damage and Injuries
It is important to get documentation of all damages – to your car, yourself, and any occupants inside of your vehicle at the time of the accident. If you believe you lost consciousness, this is something emergency responders need to know right away so that they can ensure you don’t have a concussion or other traumatic brain injuries.
Getting all the documentation you can from law enforcement and medical professionals will help if you decide to file a car accident claim. You can get a copy of the crash report, usually done through your local or state police. Also, it is a good idea to keep a log of all your symptoms in the days following the accident.
Contact Your Lawyer
Filing car accident claims in a timely fashion is crucial to getting compensation for your injuries. You should absolutely comply with any notice requirements, which can be specific to your state and auto insurance policy. Contacting a lawyer can help you get the ball rolling on the legal process of filing an auto insurance claim. There is a lot of paperwork involved, so the process can be pretty intense. A lawyer will be able to make the process go more smoothly for you as you recover.
If you’ve been in a car accident, don’t hesitate to take action. Hundreds, even thousands, of dollars can be lost on rehabilitation from an accident, and you might need to take a lot of time off of work. That’s why it is important to get your documentation in order and file a claim with the help of an experienced compensation lawyer.
This article was written by Dixie Somers, a freelance writer who loves to write about business, finance, and family issues. She lives in Arizona with her husband and three beautiful daughters. You can find Dixie on Facebook.
