Sadly, car accident rates have been on the rise for a few years now. These can result from collisions, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, recklessness, or faulty infrastructure. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, there’s a list of important steps and measures that you need to take in order to stay safe and avoid further implications. Here are some things that you have to keep in mind if you have experienced a car accident.
Call Emergency And Seek Medical Attention
The first thing you should do when an accident occurs is to head to safety. Move away from the road, or seek help from pedestrians if you are still unable to get up. You should then call 911 as soon as possible. It doesn’t matter who’s at fault; all parties involved in the accident should receive medical assistance. Let the paramedics deal with your injuries; even if you feel okay after a few hours, you must get yourself checked at a hospital because not all injuries are visible, and some symptoms take time to develop. Common internal injuries that may result from road accidents include:
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TBIs or Traumatic Brain Injuries
Head wounds can cause internal bleeding and oxygen depletion. If these injuries are not immediately attended to, they may lead to permanent brain damage.
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Broken Bones
A car accident can result in fractures to the bones, especially broken ribs. Don’t underestimate broken ribs, as they can be extremely dangerous. These fractured bones can affect other parts of the body, including your veins, kidneys, and nerves. Broken ribs may also cause punctures to the lungs; a condition called pneumothorax.
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Internal Bleeding
After a car crash, blood vessels can stop clotting or recover as a result of the impact, commonly known as internal bleeding. Watch out for symptoms of internal bleeding like:
- Stomach pain
- Pale face and skin
- Fatigue
- Feeling cold
- Head throbs
Gather Information
Try to gather information about the other driver involved in the accident, including his name, address, and vehicle’s plate number. In addition, ask for his insurance policy and car insurance if he agreed to disclose this information. Gathering as much information as you can about the scene is recommended as the attorneys at https://bayoucitylaw.com/ state that it can help you pursue appropriate compensation when you’ve been injured because of someone’s negligence. Talk to witnesses on the street and ask them if they’re willing to help and support your story that the other driver was at fault and is responsible for the accident.
You can always use your mobile phone to take pictures of the accident. Pictures can show the extent of impairment that was caused to you and your vehicle. Take photos of your injuries, road signs, and skid marks. These pictures can act as leverage in court and increase your chances of maximum compensation.
Seek Legal Help
You need to contact a personal injury lawyer to help you with the legal implications of a car accident. Experiencing an accident can result in huge losses and financial expenses, including physiotherapy, vehicle repairs, medical expenses, and rehabilitation costs. Your injuries may also oblige you to take time off work, which can result in lost wages and income. That is why you need to hire a lawyer to compensate your losses and negotiate with insurance companies and the court on your behalf. There’s no doubt that you’ll be feeling emotionally exhausted or numb after an accident. However, you can’t give in to feelings of hopelessness; you need to demand your rights when you’ve been harmed.
Avoid Social Media
Most professional lawyers recommend that you stay off of social media and avoid contact with many people when you have filed for compensation. This is because insurance companies of the party at fault can use this against you in court and claim that you have recovered, to reduce their clients’ liability.
Don’t Communicate With Insurance Companies
Do not contact the other party’s insurance company. Insurance companies of the person at fault will try to persuade you to accept “low ball’’ settlements. Although this is certainly a hard time for you, and you may want to get it over with, do not allow them to pressure you into settlements that are worth less than you deserve.
The most important thing after you suffer an injury from a car accident is to focus on your recovery process, follow your doctor’s orders, and attend to your injuries. Don’t hesitate to seek help from your family and friends. Having a professional by your side can also lift a huge burden off your shoulders. Car accidents can be overwhelming and scary, but if you follow these tips, you will be prepared and get your life back together before you know it.
