An estimated 1.35 million people lose their lives annually due to road traffic crashes, data from the World Health Organization show. But some are fortunate enough to survive such a tragedy and a bumpy ride could be ahead of them.
After a car accident, you may sustain severe physical injuries that can result in disability. Such a terrible experience can also inflict immense psychological trauma that can impair your reintegration into society. Moreover, a car crash has a range of economic and legal consequences, so it is ideal to hire an auto injury lawyer here in Denver.
Here are the things you need to do to minimize the long- and short-term effects of figuring in a car accident.
Stop
When you get involved in a car accident, you need to stop your car. If it’s a minor car accident, check your vehicle for any damage and immediately call the police and your insurance company. But if the collision caused severe damage and injuries, wait for the cops and medical responders to come.
They can better assess the situation and take proper actions.
Gather information
Collecting the necessary information after a car crash is the next thing that you need to do. Who were involved in the accident, and what are their addresses and contact details? Did you get the other car’s license plate number? Are there witnesses? Can you describe what happened?
Road traffic crashes are stressful, but you need to maintain a strong presence of mind to gather the crucial information that you need in filing a police report and demanding compensation. Moreover, you should only discuss the accident to the police, paramedics and your insurance company.
Take photos
If you only sustained minor injuries, you may consider taking pictures of your car. Many insurance companies require their clients to submit photographs of the crash scene before they can request for coverage or compensation so these images will be very useful to you.
Seek immediate medical help
If you’re conscious after a car accident, try not to move too much and let the medical responders take care of you. The paramedics may ask you some questions about your condition, so try to answer them as accurately as you can.
If you can stand up, but you’re unsure about what you’re feeling, immediately seek medical help so you can undergo tests and get checked by a doctor for injuries that you might be unaware of because of stress and trauma.
Hire a good auto injury lawyer
Car accidents could mean dealing with hefty hospital bills as well as lost wages and job opportunities. That is why you will need an experienced auto injury lawyer to help you get the claims that you deserve. Some insurance firms don’t pay accordingly, arguing that you should also take responsibility for the collision.
But with an excellent counsel who can represent you, you can get the compensation you need.
Seek psychological help
A car accident can have a significant impact on someone’s mental health. To minimize these consequences, seek advice from a professional to treat PTSD and other disabling conditions.
Knowing what to do after a car accident will help you get the indemnification you deserve and move on from such a traumatic experience. But you don’t have to do this alone, and there are professionals you can tap to help you.
