What To Do After a Car Accident That’s Not Your Fault

No driver ever leaves the house thinking they’ll be involved in a car accident. Yet, somehow everyday car accidents happen. Therefore, it’s important to know what to do if you ever get into one.

After a car accident, check to see if you’ve been injured, gather witnesses, and take some photos. Call 911 and file a police report, then get yourself a lawyer. Auto accident injury lawyers can help you navigate the claims process after you’ve been involved in a car accident that’s not your fault. If you sustained an injury during the accident, they'd ensure you receive the financial compensation you'll need to recover from an accident.

No matter the injury you sustained in a car accident, car accident injury lawyers can help you navigate the aftermath of your accident.

Why Do Car Accidents Happen

Sometimes, people are tempted to walk away after a car accident because they assume it will be difficult to determine the person at fault. However, there are a couple of things that could cause a car accident, and they include:

• A driver who is too tired to drive
• A driver who is under the influence
• A driver who drives above the speed limit or makes careless moves
• A careless driver or pedestrian who cuts off your car.

Sometimes the parties involved in an accident may want to deny culpability even when they’re obviously at fault. In these types of events, you shouldn't hesitate to file a claim after your accident. You may have to rely on police and eyewitness reports to get the desired compensation, however, this is nothing your car accident attorney can’t handle.

Common Injuries Sustained During a Car Crash

The most common injuries that occur after car accidents include the following. These are also injuries a car accident attorney can handle:

Whiplash Injuries: Whiplash is a name for neck injuries that occur when your neck is suddenly thrust forward. They are especially caused by vehicle accidents, particularly when a vehicle you're in is rear-ended. It doesn't always have to be from a significant accident. Your vehicle could be moving as slow as 10km/hour, and you'll still get whiplash injuries from a crash.

Whiplash injuries aren’t always severe. Sometimes they can start off very minor and then snowball into painful injuries. If you suspect you may have suffered a whiplash injury after a car crash, go to your GP and get yourself checked out. The earlier you try to get treatment after a whiplash injury, the better your chances of recovery.

Unfortunately, there are no quick fixes for whiplash injuries; one in three people get better after six months. One in three people could take up to 24 months to heal, and one in three would suffer the pains of a whiplash injury indefinitely. To increase your chances of recovery, try to get accessed by a GP soon after your accident and get a lawyer to help you process the costs.

Spinal injuries: Sometimes, spine injuries from a car accident go beyond just the neck region and extend to the back. These could cause a herniated disc or even spinal cord damage. Spinal cord injuries are sometimes life-threatening. Sufferers often feel extreme pain in the back, head pressure, numbness in their extremities, hard time walking or standing, loss of feeling in certain parts of the body, and difficulty breathing, among other severe symptoms.

Fractures, broken bones, cuts, and bruises: Passengers may get tossed around a car during an accident, and this can result in broken arms, legs, wrists, etc. Sometimes these fractures and broken bones could get as bad as a broken pelvis. Broken legs, ribs, arms, ankles, and wrists are common in car accidents. These accidents may require one to stay in a cast for several days, thereby missing work. Sometimes, one may even need surgery to repair broken bones.

Cuts and bruises could be caused by the body being thrown around the vehicle or broken glass flying around. Sometimes victims could get road rash from being thrown or dragged on concrete.

Head injuries: Head injuries resulting from car accidents can be severe, sometimes leading to brain damage or death.

How a Lawyer Can Help in a Car Accident

If you have been involved in a car accident, it is important to consult with a well-informed car accident attorney. The lawyer can help you evaluate the facts of the accident and find evidence and witnesses where necessary. Lawyers also analyze your bills and medical reports to find your current and future costs from the accidents. Their job is to help you get a fair claim by negotiation if possible and through litigation when necessary.