America’s roadways are often incredibly busy, and they can be dangerous too. While traffic usually seems to flow smoothly across the lanes of asphalt, it’s a sad fact that not every motorist manages to reach their destination without incident. Every year, roughly 3 million people in the United States are left with nonfatal injuries after a motor vehicle collision, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). What about fatalities? The CDC reports that more than 100 people die as a result of injuries suffered in motor vehicle accidents each day. Do you know what to do if you’re injured in a car accident?
As Nolo points out, knowing what to do if you’re injured in a car accident is important because you need to protect both your physical well-being and your legal rights. What steps should you take?
Call 911 to bring medical assistance and law enforcement to the scene. The EMTs will ensure that all injuries are treated properly, and the police will help secure the scene and conduct a preliminary investigation.
Your health is your first priority, so if your injuries are severe, they should demand your attention. However, if you’re able to do so, while you’re waiting for the medics to arrive, use the time to gather information. Access the camera in your phone, and use it to snap pictures of the vehicles and the scene. Pay special attention to any damages or circumstances that you believe may have contributed to the accident. Also, be sure to exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. If there are witnesses to the collision, ask for their names and contact information. This information should be included in the police report, but it doesn’t hurt to gather it yourself if you’re able to do so, just in case something is overlooked.
Injuries suffered in a car accident can change your entire life. They can interfere with your ability to attend school, work, or do the things you enjoy. In some cases, they even result in temporary or permanent disability. For all these reasons and more, getting proper medical care and documenting that care thoroughly is essential.
As soon as possible, pay a visit to a health care professional. Be sure to describe your injuries thoroughly and in detail. Remember that soft tissue injuries, including whiplash and concussion, can take time to present symptoms, so aches that seem minor now may worsen in the coming days. Unfortunately, if you don’t mention an issue in the initial report, it may be difficult to prove that it was a result of the car accident, so report everything. Then, get comprehensive diagnostic testing to back up your physical exam. Ask the doctor to keep detailed notes, and be sure to keep a diary of your own experiences as well.
Next, notify your insurance company about the accident. Be careful about what you say, however. We always recommend that you talk to an attorney before giving a statement or filling out paperwork for insurance companies. If you don’t, it could present a problem for your case in the future.
According to the CDC, the productivity losses and costs for medical care associated with auto accident injuries and fatalities totaled more than $75 billion in 2017. Clearly, injuries from car accidents can have a major economic toll, so it’s no wonder that many people reach out to a lawyer in hopes of securing compensation for their injuries, especially if they were not at fault in the accident.
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Have you been injured in an auto accident? Are you in need of medical or legal advice and wondering where to turn? Reach out to the professionals at the National Dizzy & Balance Center. A leading medical clinic system based in Minnesota, our goal is to help you improve your quality of life after an injury. Our multidisciplinary team includes physicians, audiologists, physical and occupational therapists, and a network of attorneys. This means we’re prepared to assist you with all aspects of your auto accident. Whether it’s a legal matter, a medical treatment choice, or a paperwork issue, we can help you sort it out as you work toward recovery. Contact us today to request a free auto injury consultation.
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