If you’ve been injured in a car accident, we first want to say that we are so sorry you are going through this experience. Emotional and physical trauma from car accidents can derail your life. Thankfully you don’t have to walk the road to recovery alone. Keep reading to find out what to do after a car accident injury in Utah.
Get to Safety
First thing’s first, if you’ve been in a car accident, get yourself to safety. If you are able, move your car to the side of the road or to a nearby parking lot. This gets you away from the flow of traffic. Use your hazard lights to alert other drivers of the scene.
Check for Injuries
Check yourself and anyone else in the car for injuries. If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 immediately for help. Time is of the essence as not all injuries are immediately present after a car accident due to adrenaline and endorphins. Some of the most common non-life-threatening car accident injuries are whiplash, concussion, headaches, neck pain, back pain, and shoulder pain.
Report the Car Accident
Call the police or highway patrol to report the accident. In some scenarios, such as a hit-and-run, involvement with alcohol or drugs, or if anyone is injured, it is mandatory to report these accidents to law enforcement. The police will write a report of the accident which can be incredibly important as you seek recovery.
Reporting the accident to the police does not mean that either party is accepting or admitting fault or responsibility for the accident. In fact, you never want to accept or admit blame at the scene of the accident.
Document the Scene
It’s a good idea to take photos with your smartphone of the accident scene. Take pictures of car damage, weather conditions, and traffic signs if possible. Document the make, model, and license plates of all cars involved in the accident. Exchange information with the other driver(s) in the accident as well, including personal contact information and car insurance information. Write a description of the accident and how it occurred. It can be hard to think clearly and thoroughly immediately after a car accident. However, the more information you are able to obtain, the better.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company to report the accident. Provide them with the documentation that you gathered at the scene. It is important to be completely honest with your insurance company. They will be able to uncover any discrepancies between claims. Read here for more information about car insurance claim support.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t intially feel severely injured, adrenaline and other endorphins can mask pain. This pain masking can last up to a few days after a traumatic event. It is important to be evaluated by a qualified medical provider. Healthcare providers can ask the right questions and begin medical documentation of any injuries. While your injuries may seem mild, our medical providers at Utah’s Crash Pain & Injury Clinic are specialized in auto accident recovery. We help provide you with peace of mind.
Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney
If your insurance company comes to you with a low-ball offer, or your medical expenses will exceed that of your personal injury protection coverage, we advise that you seek counsel with a personal injury attorney. Personal injury attorneys are experts at dealing with insurance companies. An attorney can help you recover financially for the losses sustained the accident.
Your Recovery Starts Here
Car accidents are an unfortunate reality of the world we currently live in. Lives can change in the blink of an eye, causing intense emotional and physical suffering. If you’ve been wondering what to do after a car accident injury, Crash Pain & Injury Clinic is here to help. We want to help you begin your road to recovery and are able to get most patients into our office within 72 hours.
Give us a call, or fill out the form below, to schedule your appointment today.