Injured from a Car Accident? Here's What You Should Do

If you have been injured from a car accident, you want to make sure you handle everything properly. Over 3 million people will become injured in a car accident, with more than 2 million of these injuries are permanent.

If you suffer any type of injury in a car accident and it's not your fault, you want to make sure that justice is served and you are paid for your trauma, stress, and pain. Keep reading to find out the steps you should take if you are injured in a car accident.

1. Check to See If You Are Injured from A Car Accident

The first thing you should do if you notice you are injured from the accident is to call 911 immediately. If you are too injured to call or you can't find your phone, have someone else call for you.

If you are injured seriously, try your best not to move and wait for the paramedics, as this could lead to additional injury.

2. Check On Your Passengers

If you aren't too hurt to move, you will want to check on your passengers next. If it looks like any of your passengers are injured, call an emergency service. Again, do not move their injured body until help has arrived.

3. Get to Safety

If you are able, try to move to the sidewalk or side of the road. If your car can be driven, try to pull it to the side of the road. If you can't move your car, then leave it where it is, and get yourself to safety.

4. Call 911

Even if the accident is just a minor fender bender or a huge collision, you want to get the police involved. In some states, it's required by law to call the cops after an accident. The officer that responds will document the scene and fill out an accident report.

If for some reason the police can't come to you, get to the nearest police station and fill out an accident report. Your insurer might want a copy of this police report

5. Wait For Help

Now that you've made the proper phone calls, turn on your hazard lights, turn your engine off and use emergency road flare which you should have in your cars emergency kit. This will warn other passing cars to slow down.

6. Exchange Information

Now that you've made sure the status of everyone's injuries and help is on the way, it's time to exchange information with the other driver. Make sure you get their full name and contact information, policy number and insurance company, license plate and driver's license number, location of the accident and the type, color, make and model of their car.

Try your best to avoid discussing fault when going over the facts of the accident. Your adjuster will determine who's fault it is when they go over your insurance claim.

7. Document the Accident

To make sure you're protected, you're going to want to take the following steps. Identify the offers that arrived at the scene. Be sure to get the badge number and names of all police offers who responded.

Ask the police where you can get a copy of the accident report. Your insurer will likely ask you for this when you file your claim.

Make sure you take pictures of both cars for various angles showing the damage on both cars. You might also want to get a picture of the other cars license plate, and driver's license, registration, and insurance card.

If there are any witnesses, talk to them. Get their name and contact information.

8. Start The Claims Process

Now it's time to call your insurance agent. Be sure to do this when you're on the scene so they can tell you exactly what they need to process your claim and what is expected of your during this process.

9. Track Your Medical Treatment

If you were injured in the accident you must track all of the medical treatment you receive after the accident. This includes any treatment you get from a therapist, doctor, chiropractor, or really any medical professional for injuries from the crash.

Be sure to take note and make a log of any of the treatment and medications that you are taking after the accident for future reference.

If you can, document how the accident has impacted your daily life. This would include any suffering or pain that the accident caused, both physical and metal. You also want to note and activities you can no longer do and how much work you had to miss.

10. Obtain An Independent Evaluation Of The Damage

If you feel like your insurance company didn't give you the right value to the damage on your vehicle and or your injuries from this accident, you might want to get an independent evaluation.

Try to get at least two other evaluations, and tell your adjuster about your concerns. If you can't reach an agreement with your insurance adjuster, you might need to hire an attorney.

11. Don't Rush To Take Settlement Offers

Before you take offers from your insurance company on a settlement, really consider everything. Consider if all your injuries have been treated, and note that some injuries might not even pop up until weeks or even months after the accident.

Don't jump to settle. If you want to settle, you might even consider still consulting with an attorney.

12. Hire An Attorney

You always want to hire an attorney if anyone was seriously hurt in a car accident. You might want to file a personal injury lawsuit. This ensures that you are properly compensated for any injuries and that you are defended if the crash was at all your fault.

If you are worried that an attorney is too expensive, know that most attorneys only take money if you get a settlement or if you awarded damages.

Deal With Your Car Accident Today

Now that you know what to do if you are injured from a car accident, make sure you take the proper next steps. If you are seriously injured, hiring an attorney will be worth it in the long run. For more legal advice, check out our blog.