Every year, millions of Americans are injured in motor vehicle accidents, with injuries ranging from relatively mild to serious and debilitating. Though the accidents and injuries can vary significantly, one thing remains the same: Knowing what to do after an accident can have a big impact on your health and recovery.
Barbara Adonis, DC, Heather Previll, PT, DPT, and the team at Easy Reach Chiropractic are committed to helping patients with accident-related injuries get the treatment they need to feel better and avoid complications. In this post, learn what steps you should take in the immediate aftermath of an accident, so you can ensure you get the care you need for optimal recovery.
Before doing anything else, check yourself for obvious injuries, like cuts, belly or chest pain, or pain in your bones or joints. If you’re able, make sure the occupants of the other vehicle are OK, as well. Don’t move or touch anyone, but be ready to provide information to emergency responders when they arrive.
If your accident occurs in a well-traveled area or in the middle of a traffic lane, move away from traffic if possible. Leave your car where it is, but try to move yourself and your passengers to an area that’s well out of the line of traffic. Don’t leave the scene.
Call 9-1-1 to let emergency responders know about the accident and where it’s located. The emergency dispatcher will send the police and any other needed personnel, like emergency medical assistance, to your location.
If you and the other driver are able, exchange personal information, including your driver’s license number, car license plate number, name, address, and phone number, as well as your insurance information.
Next, take photos of the scene with your phone’s camera, and record video that shows the condition of the road and the general environment, including any road signs or traffic lights. Take photos of the damage of both vehicles, as well. While details are still fresh in your mind, jot down or record notes about the accident as soon as possible.
If you aren’t injured, you can call your insurance company while waiting for the police to arrive on scene or submit an online accident report via your insurance company’s website. Otherwise, seek medical care first or call the insurance company once you’re able to leave the scene. Don’t sign any insurance paperwork until you’ve had a medical evaluation.
Even seemingly minor accidents can cause serious injuries as your body heals over the following weeks and months. No matter what type of accident you have or its severity, you should always seek medical care to make sure you’re OK, to prevent complications, and to facilitate the insurance claims process.
In addition to keeping copies of photos, videos, and notes you’ve made about the accident, you should keep copies of any medical records or bills, police reports, and any other bills or documents concerning your accident. Having these records ensures you can support any insurance or legal claim in the future.
Seeking medical care after an auto accident is essential, regardless of the type or severity of your injury. To learn how our team can help you recover following any type of accident, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Easy Reach Chiropractic in Lake Worth and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, today.
