How to Deal With the Aftermath of a Car Accident

The aftermath of a car accident can be terrifying. You’re disoriented and you may not know what to do. You might be injured, or you could be surrounded by people and overwhelmed.

Handling car accidents does not get easier over time, unfortunately. There are going to be things like medical care, emotional trauma, and insurance complications to sort out. Fortunately, a car accident lawyer will be able to help you with much of this.

Although you may still be confused or at a loss in the heat of the moment, this article will help you prepare. Read on to learn how to handle the aftermath of a car accident.

Immediate Aftermath of a Car Accident: What to Do

Immediately after a car accident, the most first thing to keep in mind is that you should not leave the scene. There are many reasons for this.

Police and paramedics will show up and you may be able to get witness statements from those who saw the accident. It’s important that you answer any questions from law enforcement so that they can conduct a proper investigation. However, it’s okay to move to a safe area nearby the scene of the crash.

If you can, try and be sure to exchange information with the other parties involved. This includes the number and insurance information of the other driver, a copy of the police report and its number, and the name and badge number of the police who speak to you.

Make sure not to accept any blame, or accuse the other party of being at fault. Let the police conduct their investigation. Doing otherwise can make things difficult for you to make a proper insurance claim.

Likewise, don’t agree to record a statement. Don’t sign any paperwork or make any settlements without getting ahold of an accident attorney. You don’t want to be taken advantage of.

Lastly, and most importantly, try not to panic. Keeping a level head will help you when speaking with law enforcement, the other driver, and any other parties.

Getting Medical Attention

Make sure you let the paramedics examine you if any show up when the police do. Answer their questions. If they deem it necessary, do not resist going with them in the ambulance.

If no paramedics show, then it’s important to remain calm. Assess your personal injuries, and then go to the hospital. Get examined by a doctor there.

Even if you think you’re alright, you may not be. The adrenaline you experience during an auto accident can temporarily numb any personal injury you might have sustained. In addition, car accidents often cause much subtler injuries that you may not notice.

When a car suddenly stops moving, your body doesn’t. Neither do the organs in your body. This leads to potential internal injuries that would not be caught on an initial exam.

Making sure that you get medical attention can save you a lot of potential problems in the long run. Quick intervention by a doctor can save you from an injury that would be detrimental if left unchecked.

Coping With Emotional Trauma

It’s normal to have a lot of overwhelming feelings after a car accident. However, these feelings should subside over time. If they don’t lessen or if they grow stronger, you could be experiencing emotional trauma such as PTSD.

Luckily, there are things you can do that will assist you with these feelings. Do things that reduce the chance of another car accident, like becoming a defensive driver. Follow up with your family doctor – they can give you referrals to mental health specialists if necessary.

Work towards starting your regular routine again as soon as you’re able. You can also build a habit of exercising, which will get you out of the house and improve your physical health.

Finally, talk to friends and family about the auto accident and how you feel. Not shying away from the discussion will help you process.

Hiring an Accident Attorney

Hiring a car accident lawyer following your auto accident is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Car accident lawyers can protect you from plenty of things in the aftermath of a car accident.

Car accident lawyers can go over the insurance paperwork with you, as well as any settlement offers. They can help you with small wording you may not have noticed on your own. They can prevent insurance companies from taking advantage of you.

If insurance will not pay, they can help you escalate things to court. They can make sure that you get compensation for your injuries or wages lost during the time it took to heal.

An accident attorney can help you make sense of all of the complex things you would otherwise not know how to handle. Make sure that you hire one as soon as you can after being involved in any car accidents.

Reach Out for a Consultation

Now that you’ve heard all about how to handle the aftermath of a car accident, it’s time for you to take the next step: consulting with an accident attorney. You deserve to know your legal rights and what options you have at this point in time.

If you’re ready to find an attorney, you should reach out to us to schedule a consultation. We specialize in victims of auto accidents and are more than capable of helping you figure out how to get what you need right now.

Don’t try to figure it out on your own – contact Alpha Accident Lawyers today.