Photo Credit: Per Loov (Unsplash)

Even if you’ve been driving for years and consider yourself to be a safe driver, the odds of being involved in an accident at some point in your life are relatively high. The number of people killed or injured in road traffic accidents in cities across the U.S continues to rise year after year. While it isn’t possible to avoid an accident altogether, it is important to know how to react and what to do in the aftermath of such an event. Here are a few tips worth noting if you find yourself involved in a car accident, regardless of who is at fault for the incident.

Gather Information

Once you’ve checked for injuries and called emergency services, the next thing you’ll need to do is collect information. Pullover in a safe place, exchange information with the other drivers involved and get their insurance details. Furthermore, if there are any witnesses to the event, it would be wise to get their contact details. 

Seek Medical Advice

Even if there aren’t any signs of injury, it is vital to seek a complete medical examination. In the aftermath of an accident, there are some injuries that will surface further down the line so get your doctor to give you the once over. Be sure to keep hold of your medical report following the accident; it may be helpful for insurance purposes or as evidence in court. 

Contact Your Nearest and Dearest 

Even if you don’t think your injuries are all that severe, it is a good idea to get in touch with family or a close friend. You’ll likely be feeling a little shaken, so speaking to a loved one may also help. Calling home will also help you alleviate any alarm further down the track, for instance, if your employer calls to ask why you aren’t in the office yet. 

Contact a Local Lawyer

If you feel the accident was caused by another driver, you might be entitled to seek compensation. Negligence or dangerous driving on the part of another could cause a car accident injury lawsuit. Depending on where you had your accident, it is best to contact a local lawyer who specializes in automobile accidents and knows the law of that particular state. For instance, if you are looking for a Boston auto accident attorney, Parker Scheer comes highly recommended. Finding a lawyer specializing in this sort of case will give you the best chance of receiving a decent settlement. 

Consider Seeing a Therapist

Being involved in a car accident can be deeply traumatic. Some people find it helpful to seek help from a therapist. Depending on the person, witnessing trauma can cause PTSD or anxiety at the thought of getting back behind the wheel. A little additional psychological support from a trained therapist may help alleviate any lingering trauma. 

Accidents happen to the best of us, and knowing what to do in the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident can make a massive difference in terms of you receiving a fair settlement, especially if you weren’t at fault. Stay safe.