Long and Short-Term Tips for Handling an Auto Accident

Auto accidents are one of the leading causes of death and fatal injuries in the US. The NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts show in the crash statistics that every year, about 11 million vehicles are reported to be involved in an accident. Fortunately, a majority of these accidents are minor and only result in property damage. However, it has been found that 1 in 3 car crashes result in injuries of varying degrees to the driver and passengers, while from that figure, 2 out of 10 accidents are reported to lead to life-threatening injuries.

Considering the high number of accidents on the roadways, there is a high probability of an American to be in accident once in their lifetime. In order to cope with the situation, here are some long and short-term tips that you can use to keep yourself safe, and know what you need to do in the following days of the accident.

What to Do Immediately after an Auto Accident

• Analyze your Situation: You should take a few moments to read the situation before you take any action. First, see if you or the occupants of your car are injured. Then evaluate your surroundings for any imminent threat such as oncoming traffic, fires, and other hazards. Your topmost priority should be safety of everyone involved in the accident.
• Call 911: Explain what happened to the operator so that a medical emergency team and law enforcement unit is sent to your location.
• Gather Evidence: After the situation has settled down, use your phone to make a video or take a few pictures of the accident scene. Make sure to cover the scene from different angles so that all the damages you have sustained can be easily seen. This can later be used a piece of evidence to prove your entitlement to compensation if you file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver.

Make sure you don’t give any statement to the other driver or police that may appear like an admission of guilt.

What to Do in the Following Days of the Auto Accident

• Medical Checkup: In some cases, injuries do not manifest right away and take a few days or even weeks after the accident to become apparent. It is important that you seek medical attention regularly and do not miss any doctor’s appointments to ensure that you are not exhibiting any symptoms of delayed injuries.
• Do not Give a Recorded Statement to the Claim’s Adjuster: It is essential to inform your insurance provider about the accident so that the claim process can be put in motion. However, do not give a recorded statement to the claim’s adjuster who is likely to contact you within a day or two of the claim request, without consulting an attorney.
• Hire an Attorney: Whether you are pursuing a personal injury claim against the driver who is at fault or making a claim on your own insurance policy, it is recommended to have a reliable attorney overlook your case.

An experienced auto accident attorney can provide you with skilled legal counsel and make sure you do not make any potential mistakes that can affect your claim. Contact the Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C. at (847) 395-2200 or online today to schedule your initial consultation.