What Should I Do if I Am Injured in a Car Accident?
Experiencing a car accident can be overwhelming and stressful. If you find yourself injured in an accident, it is important to take specific steps to protect yourself. Here’s a guide to help you navigate this challenging time.
Ensure Safety First
Your immediate safety and well-being are paramount. If possible, move to a safe location and check for any immediate dangers. If you’re severely injured, remain where you are, try not to move as much as possible and wait for emergency responders.
Report the accident
Report the accident to the police and, if you were working at the time, your employer. By filing a police report, you are able to document the facts quickly after the accident to avoid error and help determine who is at fault.
Seek Medical Attention
Regardless of the severity of your injuries, seek medical attention promptly. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but could have serious long-term effects. A medical professional can properly assess your condition and provide necessary treatment. Remember, your health comes first. When you seek medical attention, do so with YOUR health insurance unless the collision occurred while you were working, then work comp should cover your bills. Many medical facilities will now try to tell you they will bill the negligent party’s car insurance. Remind them, you have health insurance, and you want to use it.
Collect Information
If you are not transported by ambulance to the emergency room, remain at the accident scene until you or someone you trust has collected all essential contact information from all parties involved. Make sure to get their names, phone numbers, addresses, and insurance information. Additionally, record the names and contact details of any witnesses.
If you are in a car accident, there is a lot of information to keep track of. The images below are to help you remember what you will need. For more information on this, see our Checklist for Missouri Personal Injuries blog post.
Speak with an Injury Lawyer
Insurance companies might try to get you to give a statement immediately. What if you don’t? If you are diligent in speaking with a lawyer, likely nothing. Even if liability is clear, a lawyer can help you identify ALL insurance coverages. You do not want to miss out on money you might be entitled to if you knew where to look for commercial liability, underinsured / uninsured, umbrella, medical payments, and other coverages. Nor do you want to miss the statute of limitations, get stuck with medical bills, get other benefits you receive cancelled, or get sideways with your health insurer. Do not let the insurance companies scare you into a bad deal, or leave you in the dark.
Do you need a lawyer?
It costs you nothing to speak to an experienced injury attorney before you speak to the insurance companies. If a lawyer can add value to your situation, they should be able to explain how.
If YOU’VE BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, THE LAWYERS AT MCDUFFEY & MEDCALF, LLC MAY BE ABLE TO HELP YOU ADD VALUE TO YOUR INSURANCE CLAIM. IT COSTS YOU NOTHING.
CALL 573-302-7211 TO SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULT
EMAIL: br**@mc*********.com
OR SUBMIT YOUR INFORMATION HERE FOR A FREE CASE EVALUATION.
For other articles related to this article see:
Find Out What UIM Coverage Is, And Why We Think All MO Drivers Should Have It.
Auto Accident Attorneys – Mid-Missouri and Lake of the Ozarks
