Tips for Dealing with the Aftermath of a Car Accident

Even the most minor car accidents can be utterly devastating because they lead to insurance meetings that were not in your schedule.

It becomes worse if there are serious injuries, car wreckage, and other property damage. You have to start thinking about your health and how to repair your damages and other losses, all at the same time.

When this happens, it is normal to feel confused as to what to do next and where to get help for everything.

Here’s a list of tips that will come in handy should you ever find yourself in this unfortunate situation.

1)  Are You Injured?

Your health and that of other victims should come first. If you or any other persons are injured, call an ambulance. Seeking medical help after an accident is crucial for the detection and early treatment of delayed injuries.

If you are not seriously injured, you can try and assess the accident scene to determine exactly what happened and who is at fault. However, ensure that you visit your doctor after this and get a full medical assessment. Remember to mention that you have been involved in a car accident so that the physician knows the red flags to watch out for.

2)  Notify Law Authorities

A police officer will come and assess the situation and can even determine who was at fault. Tell the officer all you know about the accident but do not admit fault, even when cornered. Sometimes, one may believe that they are at fault only for the investigations to reveal that the accident was caused by the other driver.

Remember to request a copy of the police report too.

3)  Document the Accident Scene

Take any pictures of the wreckage, injuries, and other damages. Photographs of skid marks, car damages, and road signage can be useful evidence to support your case if you need to seek compensation.

Additionally, write down anything that you can remember during and after the accident, which is difficult to capture with visuals. If there are video surveillance cameras, arrange to obtain their recordings as part of the evidence. Lastly, talk to available eyewitnesses and note down their contact information.

4)  Exchange Contact and Insurance Information

State laws differ on the kind of information you can give or ask from other drivers involved in the accident. The most important information to receive is the name and contact of their insurance provider and the driver’s phone number. Avoid getting into details about the accident and whose negligence you think caused it.

After this, notify your insurance company of the accident but do not give more details to avoid incriminating yourself.

5)  Seek Legal Support

Most insurance companies provide free consultation sessions to discuss your case. Others will even take up your case on a contingency basis, saving you from financial stress.

If you live in or your accident occurred in the state of Michigan, a Hastings car accident attorney can assess your auto accident case to see if it has merit and advise accordingly. When the accident is out of someone else’s negligence, the law allows you to file a personal injury claim and seek compensation for injuries and car damages.

Legal support will also come in handy during the investigation and compensation negotiations with the other parties’ insurance companies.

6)  Counseling and Family Support

Car accidents can have a significant impact on your mental health. The most common aftermath is Post Traumatic Disorder (PTSD), which can be debilitating if not detected early enough.

Seek counseling support from therapists who have helped victims like you. If this is not a viable option, surround yourself with support from friends and family.