Your health matters. So the first thing to do after you are in an auto accident is to make sure you and others involved get medical care. Call 911 or have someone else do so.
The rush of adrenaline can be masking symptoms of serious injuries, so don’t assume you’re fine even if you feel no pain. Get professional help. Calling 911 should also get police on the scene. You want them to take a full report, so don’t move any vehicles until the police arrive.
Limit Your Action at the Scene of the Accident
In the immediate aftermath of an accident, people often operate in a daze. You may speak or do things without thinking. This can cause problems later, so the safest course of action is to do as little as possible.
Answer questions from the police, but don’t discuss the accident with others. Avoid the temptation to say “I’m sorry,” even when you just want to express sympathy with someone.
If you’re in a physical condition to do so, it is helpful to take photos of the vehicles involved and the accident scene. It is also a good idea to collect contact information from anyone who witnessed the accident. However, don’t discuss the potential causes of the accident or the effects. It is too early to determine these factors yet, but statements you make about them could be used against you later.
Get the Right Medical Care
You should receive a thorough medical exam so a doctor can check for signs of concussion, internal bleeding, and other health concerns that may not be obvious. Keep records of your injuries, including the pain you experience and the ways the injuries impact your daily life. Also, be sure to follow the doctor’s instructions afterward. If you don’t, the insurance company could claim that your own actions are to blame for the effects you are experiencing, rather than the accident itself.
Seek Legal Advice
Auto accidents are traumatic experiences that disorient your life. Getting advice from someone who understands what you’re going through and knows what you need to do to protect yourself can make a world of difference.
That’s why it is a good idea to consult an experienced accident lawyer as soon as possible. Your attorney can not only help you determine what to do, but your legal advisor can speak to others on your behalf so you can focus on healing. Your lawyer can answer questions from insurance companies and investigators, help you find the right medical care, and help gather evidence to support your claims for compensation. In some cases, your lawyer may even speak with creditors to get extensions if you are unable to work due to your accident.
You may get settlement offers soon after the accident and feel pressured to accept. However, it is important to hold off until you know the full effect of the injuries and the impact they will have on your life going forward.
The Team at Johnnie Bond is Ready to Help After an Auto Accident
We want to help you recover and move forward after your accident. At Johnnie Bond Law, our team takes great pride in helping our clients meet their full range of needs as they rebuild their health and lives after the setbacks of a personal injury. Contact us today to learn more about the ways we can help.