Car accidents may be very traumatizing, and you may find yourself in complete shock shortly after involved in a crash. However, try to keep calm and take the necessary steps in order to protect yourself physically and from a legal standpoint.
Seek Medical Attention
If you realize that you are hurt after a car accident, the first thing to do is seek medical attention. While you may not realize that you are hurt because you are in shock, it is always best to talk to a doctor in case deeper injuries occur. You should always talk to a physician if you feel that you are in pain, have any sort of discomfort especially in your neck or spine, experience any dizziness, or feel any numbness anywhere in your body.
Seeking medical attention is the best thing to do not just for your help, but will help you in the case of a personal injury claim. If you wait any longer than a few days, your argument may weaken and the argument can be made against you that you may have incurred injuries elsewhere, not from the accident.
Document Everything
After a car accident, whether you are hurt or not, document everything you possibly can. Take pictures of every angle of your vehicle and the opposing party. Take pictures of your injuries and time stamp them so that you have an accurate report of when the accident happened and how your injuries occurred.
You should also take note of anyone else involved in the accident, not just the person driving the other vehicle. This includes information of any other passengers and doctors you saw after your crash.
If you had to see physical therapists after your injuries, take detailed notes of each visit. Keep all the receipts and correspondences between you and the medical professional.
If your accident and injuries affected your ability to work, you should also make a note of how and when you were unable to work. Prove that you lost wages due to injuries caused by your accident, and take down names and contact information of anyone involved.
Seek Legal Help
Most importantly, be honest to your insurance company about exactly what happened, including information regarding your injuries and medical bills.
If you feel you have a right to seek justice, talk to a personal injury lawyer who can help you get compensation for your injuries.