In the moments immediately after a car accident, most people’s first reaction is shock and fear. Even if you’re not injured, there may be feelings of anger or frustration. However, there are several things you can do to find help and protect yourself as soon as possible.
Etobicoke personal injury lawyer can also help ensure that you get fair compensation, which will give you peace of mind and allow you to move on from this traumatic event and focus on getting better. Here’s what to do:
Stay in your car if you’re unable to get out safely. If there’s another driver involved in the crash, exchange information with them (name, address, phone number, insurance information), if possible, before getting out of your vehicle.
If you have an airbag deployment and it looks like it deployed too early or at an odd angle, don’t touch it — call 911 immediately so emergency personnel can evaluate you for chest injuries that might require further medical attention.
Don’t move your vehicle until it’s safe to do so — especially if there is still traffic around it — and don’t leave it on the shoulder because it could be hit by other vehicles passing by on the highway or cause another accident if someone else hits it while trying to avoid hitting something else in their path.
If possible, take photos of your injuries and all damaged property — including cars and houses — before leaving the scene of an accident (many smartphones have built-in cameras). You can also ask other passengers in your vehicle or bystanders for help taking photos and videos. These images will help document precisely what happened during an accident and help prove liability later. A lawyer can also advise you on how best to move forward in order to get the compensation and other assistance you deserve.
If you’re bleeding from an injury other than a cut on your head or face, try to stop the bleeding by applying pressure with a towel or clean cloth until help arrives. However, don’t apply direct pressure over a bone fracture site — instead, press around it. Suppose you wait longer than three days to see a doctor. In that case, insurers may try to deny any claims for medical expenses associated with your injuries — even if they’re severe enough to require surgery or other expensive treatment.
If you need medical treatment, contact your health insurance provider as soon as possible. If you don’t have health insurance, visit a hospital emergency room or urgent care facility. You may be billed for services later, but at least you will receive treatment immediately. There is a lot of information you don’t know about how insurance companies work and how the legal system could benefit you should you decide to file a lawsuit. Having an Etobicoke personal injury lawyer that knows how to navigate this process can be invaluable.
