To make a bad day even worse, suddenly someone blows a stop sign and smashes into your car.  No what?  There is no one correct answer to this question, so let’ s cover it by topics.

On the scene:

While still on the accident scene, assuming you haven’t been taken away by ambulance, the first order of business is to call the police.  Dial 911 and provide all in the information requested.  You should also see if the other driver and occupants of that vehicle are ok. If not, make sure you tell the police you  need an ambulance.  You will also need to get the other driver’s information, including driver’s license number, registration, insurance information and write down the license plate number.  If you have a cell phone with camera, take a picture of all damage to your vehicle, as well as the other car, including a picture of the license plate.   Secure also the names and contact information from all witnesses to the accident and write down any other important information such as weather conditions, road repairs in progress, exact street location, etc.

After You Leave The Scene:

Once you leave the scene, if you are hurt, GO TO THE DOCTOR OR HOSPITAL!!  It may take a lot of time to get in and out of the emergency room, but it is worth your effort if in fact you are injured.  When you see the doctor, make sure you tell them you had just been in an accident and describe the accident, e.g., I was rear ended -I was at a complete stop when I was smashed in from behind-the impact was very heavy, etc.  Make sure you tell the doctor all things or parts of your body that are hurting!!  Just because your neck is the most painful, don’t forget to tell the doctor about your chest or arm too if they hurt as well.

At Home Later:

Once you get home, follow your doctor’s instructions for rest, ice packs, pain medicine or whatever was prescribed.  Also, over the next day or so, check yourself very carefully for any bruising, cuts, scrapes and lacerations, and TAKE PICTURES OF THEM!!  Visible injuries heal much faster than you think, and much better to document them while they are present.

Do I Need A Lawyer:

Only you can answer this question, but if you decide to get a lawyer, hire one that only helps victims of accidents!  Your friend that helped with your real estate closing or divorce may have the name of someone, but don’t rely on your real estate lawyer to have the expertise to help with your injury claim!  You wouldn’t hire an injury lawyer to help with your divorce either, so make sure you hire a person that knows what they are doing!

Conclusion:

Accidents are never expected, they happen suddenly, and they interrupt your day and weeks ahead (or your entire life!).  Take a few  moments to do the things above, and you will have helped yourself tremendously if you decide to hire an injury lawyer to help you further.  Good luck!  Glenn