Being involved in an accident can be very traumatic but it is very important to make the right steps after the event. This is often a scary experience and many people end up making the wrong decisions due to the stress. It is important to remain calm, seek immediate medical attention, and avoid doing anything that can jeopardize your insurance claim.
- Do not admit fault
Regardless of how the accident happened, you should avoid admitting fault. You need to know that anything you say can be used against you and admitting wrongdoing will not help you. Whether you are talking to the police, other passengers, witnesses or anyone else, be careful about what you say. It is important to remember that your emotional state can alter your perception of the situation.
- Medical attention
You should get medical attention immediately after the accident. Do not depend on your visual diagnosis to determine if you are hurt. You might feel fine, but the fact is that you may have serious injuries that you cannot see. Getting immediate checkup is also necessary to prove that the injuries are as a result of the accident.
- Taking photos
It is a good idea to take photos of your injuries and of the accident site to help you have valuable evidence. The pictures come in handy during the car accident claim and it is a smart move to take as many as you can. Your cell phone can come in handy and remember that many injuries like bruises and cuts heal fast and the only way to prove that you were injured is with photographic evidence.
- Taking notes
Another important step is to take detailed notes about the accident. Document your injuries and the treatment you get. The information you note down can help you to get the necessary reimbursement from the insurance company. Note down the names and addresses of those who treated you and keep receipts of any medication and medical devices that you purchase.
Make sure that you get a police report immediately and get legal advice after the accident.