Car accidents can be scary experiences, which is why it’s vital that you always know what to do after a car accident. Keeping a calm head and having the right information can be the difference between a costly, time-consuming experience and one that gets resolved quickly. Here are three things you need to do if you’ve just been involved in an automobile crash.
Make sure the scene is safe
First and foremost, if you’ve been in a car accident, you need to make sure that the crash doesn’t cause any other accidents on the road. If possible, this means moving any cars involved in the accident to the side of the road so they don’t disrupt the flow of traffic. In more serious crashes, it may be necessary to enlist the police to help divert traffic and clean debris from the road.
If you’ve just been involved in a simple fender-bender, it may be worth holding off on calling emergency services right away. Of course, if the collision happened at higher speeds, there are multiple parties involved, or anyone seems to be injured, it’s vital that the proper authorities are alerted immediately in order to help. In some states, it’s against the law not to file a police report if the damages are high enough.
Assess the damage
Once you’ve ensured that everyone is safe and you aren’t blocking traffic, it’s a good idea to start evaluating the damage. Give each vehicle a quick walk-around to see what the extent of the damage is, and make a note of any scratches, dings, or other issues that weren’t initially present with each vehicle. In some situations, the damage will be quite obvious, while in other scenarios, there may be no visible damage at all on any of the cars.
If your car was the only one damaged in the process, you’ll want to make sure to get the other driver’s insurance information. Even if they may think that they were not at fault for the accident. In some situations, you may choose not to file an insurance claim if the damage was minimal.
That being said, if you take your car for a second opinion at a mechanic and discover underlying issues later, it’s a good idea to have the other driver’s information on file.
See a doctor
Assessing the damage after a car accident goes beyond just looking at the car. When you’ve been involved in an accident, you’ll want to make sure that you don’t have any underlying injuries or medical conditions as a result the jolt of an accident.
Besides whiplash and neck and shoulder pain, one of the most common injuries sustained in even the simplest rear-ending is a traumatic brain injury (or TBI). This kind of injury may require medical screening in order to be detected, so it’s vital to visit a physician’s office soon after your collision.
If you’re only shaken up or sore after the accident, a doctor may prescribe you a muscle relaxant or advise you take some over-the-counter painkillers to help deal with any stiffness or tension. If you prefer more natural remedies, it’s worth looking to natural supplements like CV Sciences CBD oil.
These can also address any stress you’re feeling in the wake of an accident. While people often focus on their car’s condition following an accident, it’s equally important to prioritize your own health following a traumatic experience like a car crash.
Being in a sudden car accident can throw you for a loop. But with the right information, you’ll be able to handle the situation with a sense of calm.
