Car Accident FAQs
Car accidents are an unfortunate part of life. While no one ever expects to be involved in an auto accident, it is important to know the best way to handle such an incident. This month’s blog from Palmetto Wellness will answer some of the most common questions we receive from patients who have been involved in accidents.
Should I Call the Police after an Accident?
Yes, calling the police immediately after being involved in a car accident is very important. Police officers are responsible for a variety of things at the scene of an accident, most importantly creating a report, determining fault, and (potentially) issuing tickets to the offending party. Should you be entitled to compensation from the at-fault party as a result of the accident, you’ll want to have an official police report outlining the details of the situation.
What Information Should I Collect at the Scene?
- Driver names, contact information, and all pertinent insurance information
- Detailed makes and models of each vehicle involved as well as license plate numbers
- Eyewitness names, contact information, and statements
- Location of the accident (address, landmarks, etc.).
It is also highly important to use your mobile phone to take photos of the accident (if possible) be sure to include not only photos of the damaged automobiles, but also any visible injuries you may have sustained as a result of the accident.
What about Medical Attention?
We recommend that you request medical attention even if you show no visible signs of injury. As we’ve covered in numerous other blog posts, the most common injuries sustained as a result of an auto accident don’t always show up right away. After an accident you’re likely to feel a surge of adrenaline that can mask underlying injuries, so it’s important that you are evaluated by a medical professional at the scene.
Whiplash, the most common condition experienced by auto accident victims, may not appear until days or weeks after the accident, but it is important to begin the medical treatment process immediately as it improves the odds of a successful insurance claim (if necessary).
What are My Rights after an Accident?
If the other driver in the accident was determined to be at fault, don’t be surprised if their insurance company attempts to contact you shortly after the accident. Know that you are not required to provide a statement about the events of the accident.
In the days after an accident that requires medical follow-up, you will likely be working to determine your costs for medical care, car damages, and other factors related to the accident, so it is not wise to engage the other party’s insurance company until you know the full scope of your situation.
If the accident was serious enough, it would be wise to allow a personal injury attorney to speak with the at-fault party’s insurance company on your behalf.
What Can I Do to Recoup Expenses as a Result of an Accident?
First, let’s take a look at some of the most common expenses associated with auto accidents:
- Car repair or replacement
- Medical bills as a result of injury treatment
- Rental car costs
- Lost wages due to inability to work after.
If the other party is found to be at-fault for the accident, your best course of action is to seek out a personal injury attorney to help you receive financial compensation from the other party’s insurance agency.
Your attorney will likely create an agreement with an auto accident chiropractor or medical doctor to treat and rehabilitate your injuries without any cost to you while he or she works to obtain a settlement on your behalf.
Why Should I See a Chiropractor After an Accident?
To learn more about the benefits of chiropractic care after an auto accident, we recommend checking out the following blog posts on our website: