With the number of car accidents reported each year, most of us have a reasonable chance of being involved in one at some point. Hopefully it will not be serious, but you still may have to take some steps to deal with the aftermath. Here are some things to keep in mind in the event of an auto collision.
Medical Attention
The most important thing to do after an accident is to determine whether anyone is injured. If a person is bleeding heavily, unconscious, or having difficulty breathing, you should call EMS. Other symptoms or injuries may also require emergency assistance. If no serious harm is evident, check with your doctor’s office to see if a follow-up exam is recommended. If symptoms develop over the next few days, seek medical help through EMS or your doctor’s office.
Police Report
A police report should be filed for an official record of the accident. Wait for the police to arrive, although you may be asked to move your car from center lane traffic to the berm or around the corner, depending on your location. The police officer will ask drivers involved a series of questions and examine the vehicles. An official report will be posted with the law enforcement agency and probably will be available online with the next few days. Check the report to make sure it is accurate, and the let the department know of any discrepancies.
Insurance Notification
Even if you do not plan to file a claim, you might want to contact your insurance agent to find out if any information is required from you about the accident as a backup plan in case the other driver does not have insurance coverage. This is also a good time to check on your deductibles and limits to ensure you are adequately protected.
Legal Financing
Contact a personal injury attorney for advice about your accident. You can find out the statute of limitations as well as governing laws about the type of accident that occurred along with your rights and responsibilities for filing a claim. If you will be incurring expenses related to the accident, such as car repair bills and medical expenses, and will be looking for funding for your car accident lawsuit, consider a legal finance loan to cover payments until a settlement comes through. It may take a while, so make sure you borrow enough funding to cover everything for a period of several months.
Career Protection
In the event of a devastating car accident, you might find yourself with life-changing injuries. Permanent damage to your spine could force you in a wheelchair for the rest of your life. It can’t dramatically affect your lifestyle and even your routine in the workplace. However, it doesn’t mean that your employer has the right to terminate your employment following your accident. On the contrary, the Americans with Disabilities Act is dedicated to guaranteeing equal opportunities in employment for all. If you find that the attitude of your employer changes after a debilitating injury, you have every right to contact a disability discrimination lawyer and protect your career and income. Discrimination can take many forms for disabled employees, but a lawyer can help you protect your future.
If you are involved in a car accident, take all the necessary steps to protect yourself. Begin with personal safety and include the other factors above.
