Things to Do Right After a Car Accident + Tips on Recovery
Critical things to do immediately following a car accident plus some tips on recovery after experiencing a personal injury.
In Canada there is a 3 to 5 per cent rise in car accident cases in the winter months, and a rise of almost 50 per cent in insurance claims. While cars these days are engineered to protect passengers, if you’re involved in an auto collision, it’s most likely the biggest obstacle will be your physical recovery. Here are some ways to help you recover more quickly.
4 Things to Do Immediately After a Car Accident
1. Seek aid
Even if it seems like you’ve escaped with bruises rather than more serious injuries, your condition, post-collision, will need to be checked out and evaluated by medical professionals. Go to the hospital or your family doctor and allow the doctors to give you a complete evaluation. Then, make sure you receive information and documentation about your injuries and potential therapies you will need to recover.
2. Pay attention to your body
Although it may seem like you have escaped with few to no medical issues immediately after your crash, some injuries may manifest themselves over time. Some signals from your body, such as pain, may take time to appear because of the adrenaline rush following a crash.
After you return home and start to recover, pay careful attention to your body, such as any aches pains that seem to suddenly appear. For example, whiplash is notorious for showing up days or weeks after a car accident.
3. Document every detail
Since injuries may take a while to manifest themselves, keep a daily journal to track the condition of your body. Document pain, including how intense it is, where on the body you experience it, and even what time of day you noticed it. Document every interaction you have with doctors and insurance companies as well. When documenting your injuries, keep in mind that this journal might have to be turned over to an insurance company if you make a claim.
Personal injury: What to Expect Following a Car Accident
Car accidents can result in very complex, and sometimes very hard to treat injuries. Here are some common injuries people may experience:
Soft Tissue Injuries
So-called “soft tissue injuries” are the most common types of personal injuries resulting from a car accident. Soft tissues are the soft parts of the body such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Symptoms often include localized pain at the site of the injury.
Broken Bones
While it seems obvious, broken bones deserve special attention following a car accident. This is because they can cause lifelong, life-changing injuries, especially if the bones do not heal properly. Rehabilitation becomes essential.
Concussion
Concussion is another common injury experienced after a motor vehicle accident. Symptoms include headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, inability to concentrate, and sensitivity to sounds and light.
At the first suspicion of a concussion, seek medical treatment immediately, as serious complications could follow.
Anxiety
Experiencing an automobile collision is typically frightening and can lead to some mental trauma such as anxiety. Common symptoms of anxiety include worrying, feeling irritable, unable to relax or sleep properly, having no energy and finding it difficult to concentrate.
And that there are simple things you can do if you feel anxiety taking control.
Always Seek Medical Help Following a Car Accident
Because of the stress and shock of the accident and the production of endorphins, you may not realize until later that you have been injured. Even if you feel fine, it’s important to seek medical attention as quickly as possible.
If you have been injured, or simply have more questions, contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Please note: This article does not contain legal advice. If you would like advice on your specific situation, please contact Spraggs Law.
