What You Should Do After an Auto Accident
Getting into an auto accident has to be one of the scariest moments in any person's life. You might have been fortunate enough to experience an auto accident and suffered only minor injuries and damage to your vehicle.
Regardless, drivers will still have to take specific safety, recovery, and legal matters. Here's what you should do after a car accident.
Check for injuries
Moments after the collision, check yourself for injuries. Try to remain as calm as possible. If the injuries are serious, don't attempt to move. Proceed to call 911 and request help.
Get the vehicle off the road
If the situation allows, try to move the car out of the road. The Insurance Information Institute (III) states that the road should be cleared whenever possible.
At the same time, check for damages to the vehicle and even take pictures before moving the car. But do note that law enforcement officers will make a report of the accident too.
Seek medical attention
Typical fender bender injuries are whiplash, bruising, soft-tissue damage, bone fractures, and cuts and lacerations. Regardless of how minor the injuries seem, seeking medical attention is vital.
Even if you only feel slightly shaken up, getting checked out can rule out any hidden issues that might have occurred.
Be patient with your recovery
Healing from an auto accident can take longer than anticipated. A minor accident can cause neck, knee, and back issues that persist for weeks or months.
Many people benefit from a chiropractor's office visits, but occasional flare-ups and getting back to normal will take time and effort.
Treatments such as spinal manipulation are crucial for reducing spasms and muscle tightness. Physiotherapy might also be an integral part of the recovery process. Specialized exercises, massages, and cold laser therapy are ways to boost the recovery phase.
Think about filing an insurance claim
If the damage to the vehicle is significant, you will likely need to file an insurance claim. It can be done directly by calling the insurance company, as long as the damage is under $1,000.
But if repairing the vehicle will cost more, you'll need to hire an attorney and have their claim from the insurance policy.
Your complete recovery is the number one priority
Minor car accidents are unfortunate, but you can lessen their impact with the appropriate steps. Maintaining composure to check for injuries and calling 911 is imperative.
Injuries that require attention might not appear too scary, but they can create problems later down the road if neglected. Be patient and talk to licensed chiropractors and physiotherapists to get back to normal in no time.
