Getting into a car accident is an incredibly stressful and traumatic event, especially if it’s your first one. Moving on afterwards can feel overwhelming, and you may not be sure what to do next. If you’ve gotten into your first car accident, you should complete the following three tasks as soon as possible.
Consult With An Attorney
After you get in an auto accident, the very first thing you should do is to consult with an attorney. Especially if you’ve been injured, an attorney helps you know the next steps you need to take to recover from the accident. You should take this step even before filing the accident with your insurance. This is because a personal injury lawyer can negotiate with your insurance company on a fair settlement for you. An attorney can also help you compile evidence should your case need to go to court. Without an attorney, you will likely not be able to get the highest compensation.
Seek Medical Care
Immediately after you get into an auto accident, you should seek medical care. Because of the size, weight, and speed of automobiles, there is a big possibility for injury during an accident. Seeking immediate medical care can help you catch any injuries before they become more serious. Whiplash is one of the most common injuries suffered in a car accident, with most symptoms appearing within the first 24 hours, though in rare cases the effects can take much longer to manifest. There are several signs of injury that may not immediately appear, but which can be damaging. This is why it’s so essential to seek medical care immediately.
Report the Accident
Another important thing to do after you get into an auto accident is to notify the police and your insurance company. It’s important to notify the police so they can report the accident and ticket the responsible individual. Afterwards, contact your insurance company so they can file a claim to reimburse you for any damage. It’s not only essential financially, but also a legal requirement after getting into an auto accident that you report it.
If you’ve just gotten into your first car accident, you’re probably already going through a lot of stress. However, there are some things you need to do as soon as possible to help the next steps go more smoothly. Be sure to complete the following tasks as soon as you get into a car crash.
Check out this article on common issues that lead to injuries in the workplace!
