Being in a car accident can be a jarring experience. On top of the damage to your car, some injuries take months, even longer, to heal. So, what to do if you are injured in a car accident?
If you are injured, the steps you take in the minutes, days, and weeks following your accident can approach getting you back on your feet.
Article Summary
What To Do if You Are Injured in a Car Accident
Suppose you are one of the millions of people involved in car accidents yearly. In that case, you will certainly consider whether contacting a car accident injury lawyer in San Antonio is worthwhile for the next steps.
Ensure Everyone’s Safety
Your first goal should be to prevent anyone from escaping the crash site and then to detect and alleviate injuries.
You should also check any other car and its driver or passengers in a multiple vehicle crash. When necessary, have medical assistance immediately called.
You will also have to move your vehicle out of the traffic lines unless there are serious injuries or death.
In some places, if there are no serious injuries or fatalities, you can generally leave your car where it is until help arrives.
For instance, the Texas statutes say you shall not unnecessarily obstruct the roadway if it involves injury and shall move your vehicle as soon as possible if it doesn’t.
Report the Accident
After you do so, make sure everyone is safe, then call in the accident. Tell the police and request an ambulance to attend to any injuries that might have occurred.
It is OK to jump the gun in terms of exchanging information with the other drivers while you wait for the police to get to the scene. Get everyone’s name, address, phone number, and auto insurance details.
When police arrive, answer their questions to the best of your ability: describe what happened to the best of your memory, and avoid embellishing more than necessary.
Just relate the basic facts of the collision scene. Then, ask for a copy of the report when completed. It will be useful when you file a claim with your insurance company later.
Get Your Injuries Checked
Although life threatening injuries should be taken to the emergency department immediately, you might choose to go to an urgent care center for less serious conditions. However, what may seem minor could be a major injury that could worsen with time.
So, even if you feel OK, here’s another good reason to let them evaluate you on the scene. Not all injuries have immediate symptoms, and shock can easily mask others.
Normally, well trained first responders look for subtle symptoms that indicate some of the most common car crash injuries, such as internal bleeding or spine problems.
Contact a Car Accident Injury Lawyer in San Antonio
If you were hurt in a crash, talking to a lawyer may be a good idea. Car accident lawyers handle injury claims for victims of car accidents.
They can help you file an insurance claim, negotiate with claims adjusters, or file a lawsuit if necessary. Learn more and find out how a lawyer can help after a car accident.
You need medical attention and time to recover from your injuries. You should take the following steps and those are the right steps.
They will give you the best chance of getting the help you need, and of having the tools available to recover to the fullest extent possible.
Conclusion
Suppose you are in a car accident and you are injured. In that case, you should take the necessary steps to ensure your safety and get medical aid immediately, even for what appear to be minor injuries.
Call emergency services, take pictures of the cars, get witness names and information, and receive a police report.
Notify your insurance company of the accident, and do not discuss any blame with the other drivers or witnesses.
If you are injured, even a little, or the blame in the accident is unclear, see an attorney. This will help protect your health, finances, and legal rights after the accident.
