According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, up to 6 million car accidents take place in the United States each year. Being in a car accident can be an incredibly scary experience, leaving you feeling disoriented and panicked. However, if you’re aware of some essential steps to take beforehand, you can remain composed and make wise choices to safeguard yourself and those close to you.
What To Do After a Car Accident
- Call 911
- Make an Official Accident Report
- Exchange Contact Information
- Contact Your Insurance Company
- Document the Accident
- See a Doctor
- Document All Medical Bills
- Hire an Attorney
What you do immediately following a car accident can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case, especially if it goes to court. Being prepared for such an event can save you time, money, and emotional distress.
Regardless of who is at fault, your top priorities should be to ensure everyone’s safety, comply with the law, and initiate the insurance claims process when necessary. While a car accident can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, it’s crucial to remain composed and take the appropriate actions to safeguard yourself and others.
Call 911
No matter how minor your car accident may seem, it’s essential to pull your vehicle over to a safe area and dial 911 to report the incident. If your car is inoperable, leave it in its current position and move yourself and any passengers to a secure location away from traffic. A 911 operator will send police and emergency medical personnel to the accident scene, so it’s crucial to provide accurate directions, including street names and landmarks, to help them locate you.
Once emergency responders arrive, it’s essential to receive an immediate medical examination, even if you believe you haven’t sustained any injuries. Injuries related to car accidents can emerge in the weeks or months following the crash, and documenting your immediate medical condition or injury in your medical records can be beneficial if your case goes to court.
In some states, calling the authorities immediately following an accident is mandatory, particularly if injuries have occurred. Remain at the accident scene until emergency personnel authorizes you to leave the area.
Make an Official Accident Report
When the police arrive at the scene of the car accident, they will gather official statements from all parties involved in the crash, including any witnesses. It’s crucial to provide as much detail as possible and answer all questions truthfully and thoroughly. The accident report resulting from this investigation will be a valuable resource for everyone involved, from insurance adjusters to lawyers, particularly if your case goes to court. You will be able to obtain an official copy of the report once it’s filed.
Exchange Contact Information
While waiting for emergency responders to arrive, it’s essential to gather as much information as possible about the other driver(s) involved in the accident and share your own details. Obtain and provide contact information associated with all drivers’ insurance policies. If possible, gather the other driver’s name, contact information, vehicle registration number, vehicle make and model, and driver’s license number. Additionally, be willing to share your own information.
If any witnesses are present at the accident scene, obtain their contact information and request that they provide an official statement to the police. If your case goes to court, your lawyer may want to contact witnesses for additional information, allowing you to follow up with them in the future.
Experts advise against discussing fault for the accident at this point. Avoid accepting responsibility or assigning blame to other drivers. Focus your conversation on gathering contact information as much as possible. Once you file an insurance claim, the assigned adjuster will determine fault based on factors such as vehicle damage inspection, statements provided by all parties involved in the accident and witnesses, and supporting documentation, such as the official accident report or photographs taken at the scene.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Immediately after a car accident, it’s essential to contact your insurance company. An agent can guide you through the necessary steps, including filing a claim with your insurance company or filing a third-party liability claim if another driver was at fault. Regardless of fault, it’s important to notify your agent as soon as possible.
Document the Accident
Recalling every detail about the car accident may prove critical later on. If your medical condition permits it, make a note of everything you can remember about how the accident unfolded.
Take photographs and videos of the accident scene, as they can help establish precisely what happened and the extent of any damage or injuries sustained in the car crash. The more documentation you have regarding your accident, the better your chances of making your case, whether with an insurance company, judge, or jury.
In some car accidents, you may not be in a position or state to immediately collect this kind of information. If your injuries are severe enough to require immediate medical attention and you cannot gather information from the accident scene, it’s possible to collect information on your behalf after the fact.
See a Doctor
After receiving medical attention from emergency responders at the accident scene, it’s advisable to schedule an appointment with your family physician or follow other medical advice given by the responders. It’s essential to establish a comprehensive record of your medical condition, including any injuries, after the accident. Make sure to document all medical appointments you attend. This information can be critical if you need to establish the extent of injuries sustained by you or any passengers in your vehicle.
Document All Medical Bills
Retaining records of all medical bills incurred as a result of your car accident is just as crucial as documenting all medical appointments. Your attorney can help you organize these details into a comprehensive history that establishes any damages you may be owed if another driver was at fault for your car accident.
Hire an Attorney
It’s vital to contact a qualified and trustworthy personal injury attorney if you’re injured in a car accident. A lawyer can assist you in navigating the process and offer essential legal advice. Insurance companies frequently offer higher settlements to car accident victims with legal representation.
Hiring a lawyer can alleviate much of the stress associated with the aftermath of a car accident. They can assist you in organizing paperwork for submission to insurance companies, and in many instances, they can handle all communication with insurance companies on your behalf. A lawyer can also help you recover expenses for medical treatment and lost wages associated with your injuries.
Collecting Disability Benefits for a Car Accident Injury
In severe injury cases resulting from car accidents, a victim may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. The primary determining factor is whether injuries sustained in the car accident meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of “disability.”
To be eligible for compensation, an injury must be severe, lasting or expected to last for at least one year, and render the victim unable to perform their normal work activities or any gainful activity that earns more than the SSA’s accepted limit. Moreover, the car accident injury must prevent the victim from receiving training for gainful employment.
Musculoskeletal system damages, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones, are the most common impairments associated with car accidents that receive SSDI benefits. These injuries can range from broken bones, spinal cord injuries, severe burns, joint injuries, and even limb amputation.
Neurological disorders, hearing impairment, speech impairment, and vision impairment may also qualify a car accident victim for SSDI benefits and are common results of spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury. In some cases, the anxiety and depression that may follow the trauma of an auto accident can meet SSA specifications for disability compensation as well.
Remember, you will need to provide objective medical evidence that supports your claim that your auto accident resulted in an injury that prevents you from earning a living. Just because you suffer from a type of injury listed above does not mean your situation automatically qualifies for a disability benefit.
It is essential to keep in mind that many claims are initially denied. The SSDI benefits process can be frustrating and lengthy. However, in some cases, the SSA may award disability back pay to compensate you for the time spent waiting to hear your decision or for your disability claim to make its way through the appeals process. Working with a qualified Social Security attorney can help make the process less painful.
Car Accident Injuries
A car accident can be a terrifying experience, and it’s important to be prepared for such an event. Having a plan in place and knowing what to do in case of an accident can help you stay calm and take the necessary steps to protect yourself and others involved in the accident.
If your injuries are severe enough to prevent you from working for at least a year, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. However, to qualify for these benefits, your injury must be severe and last for at least a year, rendering you unable to perform any gainful activity. A qualified Social Security disability attorney can help you navigate the application process and collect benefits.