The moment two automobiles collide can be a life-altering experience. The sounds of crunching metal and shattered glass are often followed by pain and confusion.
Injuries sustained in an auto accident can range from whiplash to broken bones to catastrophic. The steps you take after the initial impact can have far-reaching health and financial implications. That’s why it’s imperative to contact a personal injury lawyer if you have been hurt in an auto accident.
These are some recommended steps to take after an automobile accident, whether it’s a major collision or seems like a minor fender-bender.
Conduct a Health Check
Check yourself and any passengers for potential injuries before exiting the vehicle. Things like disorientation, head or neck trauma and other symptoms can be far worse than you might believe. The body tends to produce adrenal in critical situations such as an auto accident. Common auto accident injuries include the following.
- Whiplash
- Back Injuries
- Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Chest and Rib Bruising
- Bone Fractures
- Joint Dislocations
- Soft Tissue Injuries
Your body may mask the pain of more serious injuries initially. If you or a passenger sustained a hard impact or are experiencing discomfort, remain seated and wait for medical professionals.
Always Dial 911
Regardless of whether you and your passengers believe they have been hurt in an auto accident, the next step after making a health check is to call for help.
Making a police report can support any financial claims you have for damage to your vehicle. An official report also represents an impartial assessment of the accident, damage and potential negligence. Without a police report, big insurance companies could reject the claim and determining driver responsibility could descend into finger-pointing.
Another important reason to insist on a police report is that seemingly cosmetic damage could also be linked to more costly structural problems. A fender-bender could wreck the car’s drive train. That’s expensive to replace.
It’s also common for auto accident symptoms and conditions to manifest days, weeks and even months after the collision. Among the best ways to support a loss is to have a police report.
Document the Auto Accident Scene
If you are physically able, take photographs of the accident scene, talk to witnesses and get their contact information. Exchange insurance information with the other driver and write down the person’s driver’s license number.
It’s also important to note any personal observations. These might include road conditions, visibility and rate of speed among others. Detailed information about the facts of an auto accident are powerful tools to provide a personal injury lawyer advocating on your behalf.
After the Accident
It’s important to undergo a thorough examination from a health care professional. A follow-up visit can also prove fruitful. It’s quite common for pain and discomfort to manifest long after the accident. Common post-collision symptoms include the following.
- Neck and Back Pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Incontinence
- Numbness in the Extremities
- Tingling
- Sciatica
- Erratic Heartbeats
- Headaches
If you experience any of these or other symptoms after an auto accident, seek medical treatment immediately.
Call an Trusted Auto Accident Attorney
Being hurt in an auto accident is not an everyday occurrence. The health, financial and legal implications can negatively impact your health, well-being, and even the ability to earn a living. It would be fundamentally unfair to suffer a loss due to someone else’s negligence and then pay for it.
That’s why the value of an attorney fighting for your best interests cannot be understated. Once your health has been stabilized, call an auto accident lawyer and get the full, fair compensation you deserve. Accidents Wreck Lives is the trusted personal injury law office of the Gainesville and Dawsonville, Georgia areas. Call today to get started. 800-400-GA-LAW.