Over a million people die every year due to car crashes. These vehicles we drive are thousands of pounds of metal, plastic, and flammable fluids just waiting to combust on impact: and we take them everywhere we go in daily life.
Although nobody is going to stop driving, we all need it to keep up with modern life; we have to be aware of what to do if we find ourselves in a car crash. The first few minutes are the most important, and who you decide to call matters.
Table of Contents
Emergency Numbers
The first thing you should do if you’re in a car crash: is call local emergency numbers to ensure a professional can arrive at the scene. This means an ambulance, police, firefighters, and any other personnel needed specifically for the type of accident you lived through. This call can stop any further injuries from happening and may save the life of someone in the crash.
Your Insurance
Call your automotive insurance company, and let them know what happened. They’ll want you to take pictures and will possibly guide you through everything necessary while you’re at the scene. Some may even call for a tow truck for you or offer someone to come out and help get your vehicle road-worthy again to get somewhere safe.
A Repair Shop
Your Doctor
After you’ve left the scene, call your doctor and schedule an appointment as soon as possible- regardless of whether or not you’ve gone to the emergency room. Although this may feel like overkill, there are many injuries that you might not notice until it’s too late without medical care. Internal bleeding, spinal fluid leaks, and concussions aren’t always immediately physically visible.
A Good Lawyer
Call a personal injury lawyer as soon as you can. Go into detail about the accident, what happened to you, what pictures you took, who might have witnessed it, and any medical care you may have sought out afterward. They’ll go over any evidence and paperwork you need and let you know your outlook of winning a case if one is needed.
Your Loved Ones
Call those in your life that need to know you got in a car crash. This means loved ones who you’d contact in any other major life event, just to let them know you’re okay. Nobody wants to hear from a third party that someone they care about got in a car crash. Be clear if you’re okay.
You Deserve to Get Back on Your Feet
Whether it was a fender bender or your car was totaled, you deserve the support you need to get back on your feet. Avoid claiming guilt or apologizing, and instead, take the time needed to heal and move forward with claiming what you deserve from it.
