If you’re like most people, the odds are high that you’ll end up getting into a car accident at least once in your life. Here are some of the most important things you need to know to protect your health and minimize the financial costs if you’re in a car accident:
At the scene of the car accident
If anyone is hurt, do not try to move them. Instead, wait for qualified medical personnel to arrive and let them help. They’re trained to determine whether or not it’s safe to move an injured person, and will know how to treat and stabilize any injuries without making the situation worse.
If the accident is minor and it’s safe to do so, move the affected vehicles to the side of the road, out of traffic.
Get the names and addresses of all parties involved in the collision. The drivers of the vehicles should exchange driver’s license numbers, as well as jot down each other’s vehicle license plate and registration numbers. If possible, get the contact information of witnesses – you may need them to confirm your version of events later on.
If you have a camera on you – even if it’s just the one on your phone – take photos of the scene.
If anyone is injured, you must file a police report as soon as it’s practical to do so.
Contact your insurance company
Assuming your insurance company will be reimbursing you for the costs of medical care and vehicle repairs associated with the collision, be sure to notify them about the accident as soon as possible.
They will likely ask you if you’ve been hurt. Sometimes it’ll be obvious that you’re hurt, but in other cases it may take several days or longer for any signs of injury to appear.
For this reason, when you talk to an insurance person, whether it’s your own, or that of the other person involved in the accident, do not tell them you’re not hurt. If they ask, say you’re not sure how you feel right now, and it’s too soon to tell. This way, if symptoms of the injury show up later, the insurance company can’t use a recording of you saying you’re not injured as an excuse to deny you the benefits and coverage that you’re entitled to.
Protect your long-term health after a collision
One of the best things you can do after an automobile accident is visit AZ Chiropractic to be checked out. Whether you have obvious injuries or not, there may be issues under the surface that will cause you problems later on if they aren’t diagnosed and property treated now. Chiropractic care is ideal for helping you with the diagnosis and treatment of injuries that often result from the impact of a crash, including the following:
-whiplash
-misalignment of the spine
-herniated discs
-bone fractures
-muscle stiffness and pain
Look out for yourself if you’re in a car accident
As long as you follow the right protocols after a collision, you’ll be well on your way to protecting your best interests, whether those interests are financial or involve your health.