Most people don’t think about the effects of a car accident until after they have been involved in one. Individuals can face life-changing injuries, rehabilitation, costly medical expenses, car repairs, and emotional trauma after an accident. It is best to be prepared for the difficulties and avoid taking part in risky behavior behind the wheel. Don’t wait until an accident to formulate your plan of action. As the saying goes, hope for the best but prepare for the worst. Here are the things you need to know about facing the aftermath of an accident.
Knowing What to Do Immediately After an Accident
The moments after a car accident are confusing and stressful. Your body might be in shock, as the impact is often violent and loud. Knowing what to do immediately after an accident can help prevent further injury and ensure that individuals who are injured get help right away. Here are the steps you should take:
- If you can, make sure you get your vehicle out of the middle of traffic and to the side of the road.
- Make sure yourself, your occupants, and the occupants of the other vehicle are not injured.
- If there are injuries, call for an ambulance immediately. Do not try and move an injured individual by yourself; wait for paramedics to arrive.
- Call the police.
- Gather information from the other driver, including the following:
- Name
- Address
- Insurance information
- License plate number
- Phone number
- Gather information from any nearby witnesses including:
- Statement
- Phone number
- Name
- Address
- Give your statement to the police.
- However, during this step, just tell what you know happened, not what you think happened. Any admittance of guilt can be used against you later when it comes to seeking compensation
- Contact your trusted car accident attorney.
Injuries From Car Accidents Can Be Severe
A lot of car accidents are fender benders and rear endings. While these accidents often are not severe and allow for individuals to walk away unscathed, some accidents can be life-altering.
Acknowledging the incredible power that you have behind the wheel can make you a more conscious driver. Likewise, understanding the types of injuries that can result from a major car accident is important for prevention and safety. From spinal cord injuries, brain damage, and in worst cases, even death, major car accidents have the potential to completely derail an individual’s life. Recovering from these injuries can take a lifetime. The costs on both an individual’s mental and emotional well-being, as well as their financial health, can be staggering. It is important to understand that it takes time to heal properly after a car accident. Having a plan in place in case of an emergency, like a major car accident, can help you and your family feel more prepared on what to do during the recovery stage.
Emotional Health and PTSD Considerations
While it is easy to focus solely on the physical injuries that often result from a car accident, it is equally as important to understand the emotional aspect. Certain sights, sounds, or even smells can trigger these horrible memories, causing the individual to relive the pain and fear of the accident over and over again.
It is important to be understanding and patient with those recovering from a major car accident. Therapy and addressing the fear head-on can make it easier to process and accept as they work through it.
Time Is a Huge Factor
When it comes to car accidents, timing is everything. Many individuals underestimate the time they are going to need to deal with the issues after an accident. Insurance claims, the car repairs, attending medical appointments, and appearing at car accident depositions and court dates can all add up. Make sure that you are able to give yourself the time you need to deal with the aftermath of an accident.
Insurance, Licenses, and Financial Worries
Whether you are at fault or not, there are still major financial implications after a car accident. Deductibles have to be paid for medical expenses, and for the at-fault driver, their insurance company may be sued. Ticket costs, court fees, and fines may cause your insurance to rise. For individuals who have a CDL license and are at-fault may lose their license or have to spend money to keep it or get it back.
When it comes to driving a car, it is important to remember these aftermath aspects of an accident. Cars are powerful, a privilege, and respect needs to be given on the road for yourself and other drivers. Keeping these ideas in the forefront of your mind can help you make better decisions concerning driving and help you know how to deal with an accident.
A Team You Can Trust
When it comes to seeking compensation for your accident, you are going to want a strong team on your side. Branch & Dhillon, P.C. is one of the leading car accident attorney firms in the DFW metroplex. We will work with you to best solve the aftermath resulting from your accident and help you claim the compensation you deserve. If you have been involved in an accident, contact our team today!