Getting into an accident may seem overwhelming, but there are a few simple steps you can take to make sure that you and everyone else involved stay safe.

1. Dial 911

Calling the authorities is the best and only way to protect everyone involved in the crash. Even if you think you are at fault for the accident, dial 911. You, a passenger, or someone in the other vehicle could be seriously injured, and the only way to ensure everyone’s safety is to get an ambulance to the scene.

2. Get checked by the EMTs

When the ambulance arrives, the EMTs will ask you if you would like to be checked for injuries. You’re not a doctor and you don’t know if you are injured or how serious your injuries are. It’s better to be safe than sorry so get checked by the EMTs and follow their recommendations. Something you think isn’t serious might be a sign of significant injury.

Tell the EMTs about any pain you might be feeling. They will take note of what you say, and this record could be used in court to obtain a settlement, so don’t leave anything out. If the EMTs hear your symptoms and suggest you go to a hospital, you should go, most insurance will cover the trip.

If you refuse treatment on scene, the insurance company or defense might say that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident, or that they weren’t serious, or you would have gotten on-scene treatment.

3. Tell the doctor everything

If you are seriously injured and have to see a doctor, make sure to tell the doctor all of the pains you are experiencing, this includes psychological symptoms as they could be a sign of PTSD.

If you have pain in multiple parts of your body, don’t hide it. When you tell a doctor that “my arm feels fine,” they will put that on the medical record and that could be used against you when trying to settle your case.

4. Contact a lawyer

Eventually, you will have to give a statement to the insurance company. Before you do this, contact a lawyer to guide you through these difficult conversations.

The knowledgeable attorneys at Kirsch, Stone & Morgan can ensure that you are properly represented against the insurance companies!