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It’s no secret that stress can hamper your ability to think clearly. Unfortunately, it’s in those high-pressure, tense situations when it’s most important to keep your wits about you.
In the direct aftermath of a serious car accident, you may feel like your heart is beating out of your chest, or you may feel energized with adrenaline. Or, you may feel strangely calm and dissociated from the event. All of these responses are normal; they’re just different ways that your body tries to keep you safe.
Although your physical health should always be your first priority, it isn’t the only factor you need to consider after a collision. The reality is that there are steps you can take in the direct aftermath of an accident that may drastically impact your future, for better or worse. That’s why it’s important to make a plan now, and we’re going to help.
At Delfino, Green & Green, we understand that making sense of things after a serious car accident is easier said than done—especially if you’ve suffered injuries. The good news is that you don’t have to navigate this traumatic situation alone. This article will outline the steps you can take to protect yourself, physically and financially after an accident.
Are you drowning in medical debt after an accident caused by someone else? You may be eligible to receive compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Call our law office at (415) 442-4646 to explore your options.
Ensure Your Safety First
At the end of the day, nothing—not medical bills, a totaled car or anything else—is as precious as your physical wellbeing and the safety of your loved ones. So if you ever find yourself wondering what to do after a car accident, ensuring these should be your main priority. You can start with a self-assessment. Do you seem badly injured? Do you notice bleeding anywhere? Can you move, stand or walk? If you have passengers, you can ask them the same questions. If you’re able, it’s important to get out of the street and to safety. After you’ve had a chance to make sure you’re alright, you’ll want to scan for other people involved in the crash and, if possible, help them to safety. Then, regardless of whether you’re sure you need it, call 911 and request emergency medical assistance.Call 911 for Emergency Assistance
During a traumatic event, your body uses several mechanisms to keep you alive and to insulate you from pain and stress. Your body will flood with adrenaline, allowing you to allocate resources and act quickly, as well as endorphins, which temporarily numb pain. Research suggests that endorphin levels will remain elevated in your brain as long as you’re in the midst of a traumatic event. As a result, you may be tempted to refuse medical treatment at the accident scene, but this is a huge mistake. What happens after you calm down and your endorphins subside? It’s always a good idea to get immediate medical treatment after an accident because you may be unaware of serious injuries. Plus, calling 911 will also send police to the accident scene, and after investigating, they’ll write up an accident report. This report will be one of the many pieces of evidence you’ll need if you decide to pursue a lawsuit.Gather as Much Information and Evidence as Possible
In the wake of an accident, most people don’t think to gather evidence. They don’t consider the possibility of a future lawsuit because they assume car insurance will cover what it should. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. In the event that the insurance company refuses to pay you a fair settlement, you may end up needing to file a car accident lawsuit to recoup your losses. To win your lawsuit, you will need to present compelling evidence that supports your claim. And the best time to gather that evidence is when you’re still at the scene. If your injuries make an on-scene investigation difficult, don’t risk your health by trying to gather evidence—nothing is worth jeopardizing your recovery. However, if you feel it’s safe to do so, try to collect the following information:- The names, numbers and insurance information of other parties involved
- The make, model and license plate numbers of other vehicles
- Pictures of the vehicles involved, any visible injuries and your surroundings
- The location, time of day and other details about your surroundings
- The names and contact information of any witnesses to the event
Get Help Negotiating with the Insurance Company
When you’re left wondering what to do after a car accident, you may try to turn to your insurance company for help. Just remember: Insurance companies are businesses, and at the end of the day, they care more about maintaining their bottom line than about paying you a fair settlement—even if you’re within your policy. Your insurance adjuster may use a number of tactics to reduce your settlement, including the following:- Making a low initial offer or lowballing you
- Disqualifying coverage based on a technicality
- Refusing to process your claim until you give a statement
- Avoiding your calls and emails
- Disputing liability
- Blaming your injuries on pre-existing conditions
- Delaying your offer to increase financial stress
- Requiring excessive documentation
- Misinterpreting your policy