How to Deal with the Aftermath of a Car Accident

There were 5.2 million medically consulted injuries caused by car collisions in 2022, which cost an estimated $481 billion in lost productivity, motor vehicle damage, medical bills, etc. If you are a victim of one of the 36k crashes that happen each day in the US, it’s important to know what to expect.

Get to Safety

The first priority after a car accident is to get to safety and assess if anyone needs immediate medical attention. Move your vehicle to the side of the road, turning on your hazard lights. If your car is damaged, do not try driving it away from the scene. Check on other drivers and passengers involved to see if they are injured. Call emergency services if there are injuries. While waiting for help, do not move injured people unless they are in immediate danger.

Exchange Information

Once the initial emergency is addressed, exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver(s). Take down their name, phone number, address, license plate, and insurance details as well as the make, model, and color of their car. Avoid discussing who was at fault for the accident at this stage. Take pictures of the damage to both vehicles and the accident scene, which could help determine fault later. Get contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident occur.

File a Police Report

Contact the police to file an accident report. In most states, it is required that all accidents involving injury or major vehicle damage be reported. In Florida, for example, you have 10 days to report a car accident if it caused property damage costing more than $500. Provide the officers with your account of what happened. Do not admit fault or speculate. Let them investigate the accident scene and speak to witnesses. The police report will include important details like the time and location of the accident, weather and road conditions, any citations issued and officer observations. Make sure to get a copy of the police report for your records and insurance claim.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you do not have obvious injuries, it is a good idea to get examined by a doctor after an accident. Symptoms of whiplash, concussions and internal bleeding often do not appear until hours or days later – around 3 million Americans suffer a whiplash injury each year. Tell your doctor about the accident and specific areas of pain or discomfort. Describe any head trauma you may have experienced. Getting prompt medical attention creates a record of your injuries and treatment in case you need to file an injury claim later. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan to facilitate healing.

Consult an Attorney

For serious accidents involving injuries or vehicle damage, it is advisable to contact an attorney experienced with car insurance claims and personal injury law. They can deal with the insurance adjusters and claims process for you while you focus on recovery. The St. Petersburg car accident attorneys at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes, P.A. advise that “an attorney can also help determine if you are entitled to additional compensation through a car accident lawsuit, which may be warranted if the other driver was cited for offenses like drunk driving or reckless driving. “

Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident involves steps like ensuring safety, reporting the incident to police and insurance providers, documenting damage and injuries, and handling insurance claims processes. Having professional legal guidance can make the experience less stressful.