Automobile accidents occur when a vehicle collides with people, animals, or objects. Auto accidents also include crashes that cause a vehicle to leave the road, which can occur if roads are icy or a driver falls asleep at the wheel.
There are approximately six million car accidents each year in the U.S., while permanent injuries affect about two million drivers annually. Non-permanent injuries also affect pedestrians, drivers, and passengers involved in auto accidents. Individuals who’ve sustained injuries from an accident can use these tips to ensure they protect their rights and health.
Call the police.
State law requires all accidents that result in a personal injury to be reported to the police. Motorists are also required to register accidents that result in property damage costs that meet or exceed their minimum threshold. In some states, the minimum amount is $500, while other states have higher points. Calling the police ensures the police will report to the sign and produce a police report, which you may need to give your insurance company or attorney.
Seek medical care for any symptoms you experience.
You may not realize you’ve sustained a bodily injury at the scene of the accident because you’re in shock or the symptoms haven’t presented yet. For example, it may take 24 hours for whiplash symptoms to appear.
It’s crucial to seek professional medical care for several reasons. For example, whiplash symptoms include neck pain, lower back pain, fatigue, headaches, and dizziness. The signs of spinal cord injury can also have neck pain, back pain, and headaches. A traumatic brain injury can cause dizziness, headaches, and ringing in the ears, while tinnitus can also cause ringing in the inner ear. Medical professionals can determine the root cause of your symptoms to ensure you receive proper care. Self-diagnosing could lead to a faulty assumption because many symptoms have several potential root causes. Effective treatment may be able to improve or restore your quality of life, but your treatment relies upon an accurate diagnosis. This is why you must take all recommended medical tests to verify your diagnosis.
You may also need to see medical specialists, such as an audiologist. If you have tinnitus symptoms, such as buzzing or ringing in your inner ear, you may need Tinnitus relief. Tinnitus is typically caused by exposure to loud noise. The good news is that some medications offer comfort from tinnitus. Wearing hearing aids may also offer tinnitus relief. Your audiologist can perform hearing tests, assess your condition, and clarify your treatment options.
Talk to your insurance company.
Auto insurers provide drivers with car insurance. Your insurance policy determines your deduction amount, which is the amount you have to pay before your car insurance covers the remaining costs. When you assessed coverage options and received auto insurance quotes, each policy broke down the deduction amount, collision coverage options, and the insurance policy limit. The limit is the maximum amount your insurance company will pay per claim.
Ensure you understand how much you have to pay out of pocket and the maximum amount of coverage you can receive from your insurance company. Your insurance company can also deal with the insurance company representing other drivers involved in the crash. If another driver was at fault, their insurance might be responsible for compensating you for property damage and medical costs.
Consult a personal injury lawyer.
Personal injury lawyers specialize in cases where people have been injured in accidents. They’re familiar with applicable case law and understand the maximum amount of coverage an accident victim may qualify to receive. Your lawyer will ensure your rights are protected and, if necessary, file a lawsuit on your behalf to ensure you’re reimbursed for your losses, medical expenses, and the impact the accident has on your quality of life. You may have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following your accident and need counseling, in addition to medical treatment. You may also receive a permanent injury that prevents you from returning to your career. Your lawyer will advocate for your rights and identify all forms of compensation you’re eligible to receive.
Anyone injured in an accident should contact the police and receive immediate medical treatment. You must take medical tests and ensure you receive an accurate diagnosis. Consult with your insurance company and personal injury lawyer to ensure you receive appropriate compensation for property damage, medical bills, and the impact the accident has on your quality of life.