According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were 10.8 million motor vehicle accidents in 2009. In that same year, Washington state saw 492 deaths for every 100 million vehicle miles traveled. While these statistics represent an improvement since 1990 (accidents and fatalities have decreased), the reality is that there is a good chance that, at some point in your life, you will be involved in a car accident.
On top of that, there is a good chance that you will be injured in a car accident. If you are injured in a car accident, you need to know what you should do:
1. Ascertain Your Level of Injury
Your first order of business it to try and determine your own level of injury. Can you move? If possible, try to get clear of the wreckage. When you can, call 9-1-1 to report the accident. If you can’t move, yell for help. Try to get others’ attention so that they know where you are. It might be difficult, but you need to try to remain calm, and keep yourself alert.
If you are minimally injured, and able to offer help to others, do so. You should also take pictures of the accident, for documentation purposes, if you can. Use your smartphone, or a camera. Documentation is important for insurance purposes, and for legal purposes, should it become necessary.
2. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you think that you are not injured at all, it’s important to seek medical attention. If there are EMTs on the scene, make sure you are checked out. However, even if you are cleared by the EMT, make an appointment to see your doctor within a couple of days. Some injuries, like whiplash, minor fractures, and even some types of bruising, don’t become apparent until a day or two after the event. Make sure you visit a health care professional for a thorough going-over. You might be injured and not know it. If you do turn out to be injured, you’ll want just compensation.
The right documentation of your injuries, by a professional, is imperative so that you can build your case if you have trouble getting the insurance company to pay for your medical care and rehabilitation.
3. Share the Facts of the Story, But Don’t Admit Fault
You are going to have to speak with law enforcement officials and others about the accident. Whether you are talking to the other party, the officer on the scene, the EMT, or your insurance company, but brief and straightforward. Give only the basic facts of the situation, and don’t admit fault. You will have to call the insurance company to inform your agent of the accident, but you don’t need to go into detail.
Instead of sharing a lot of detail, refer questioners to your lawyer. If you don’t have a personal injury attorney, hire one as soon as possible. When you are injured in a car accident, and have to deal with law enforcement and insurance companies, it’s to your advantage to have professional representation.
4. Refer to Your Lawyer
No matter your level (or perceived level) of injury from a car accident, you should refer questions to your personal injury attorney. Insurance companies are in business to pay out as little as possible on a claim. Even your own insurance company isn’t going to be quick about paying out on a car accident claim. A lawyer shows that you are serious, and your attorney can provide you with information on what to expect, as well as work on your behalf to get you what you deserve while you focus on recovery.
Injured in a Car Accident? What You Should Do. by James Sorrels