Getting into a car accident can be an incredibly stressful and scary experience. Even a minor fender bender can leave you feeling jittery and overwhelmed. People don’t expect to get into a car accident when they hit the road, so you might not be fully prepared to handle the situation. Thankfully, there are things you can do to be prepared for a potential accident. From knowing what to do in the minutes after the initial accident to finding a car accident doctor, here’s what you need to know about how to be prepared for a potential accident.
How a Car Accident Can Affect You
Millions of people are injured in car accidents every year. You may be surprised to learn that even what seems like a minor car accident can end up causing an injury. A helpful rule of thumb for all car accidents is that if there is any damage to your car, then your body has likely experienced some damage as well. Minor scrapes and bruises are common in car accidents, along with muscle soreness. However, you want to get checked out by a car accident doctor as soon as possible afterward to make sure you don’t have a more serious injury that needs treatment right away. The shock and stress of a car accident can get your adrenaline pumping and even prevent you from feeling signs and symptoms of a car accident injury.
7 Steps to Take after a Car Accident
Keep these seven steps in mind to help you feel better prepared for what to do after a car accident.
Get to a Safe Place
The most important thing to do immediately after an accident is to make sure you are in a safe place. If you can safely do so, pull your car over to the shoulder.
Check for Injuries
In the aftermath of a car accident, you might be overwhelmed. Take a moment to pause and check for serious injuries. Take note of any pain you might be experiencing and whether or not you can safely move your body. If you have a serious injury, then try to stay still and wait for help to arrive.
Call the Police
Call the police to report the accident and request any assistance at the scene that you might need. In some cases, the police may also request an ambulance so that you can get any potential injuries checked out by paramedics. Follow the instructions of the first responders to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Exchange Information
Exchange the necessary information with the driver of the other vehicle. You may want to get their name, phone number, driver’s license number, and insurance information. It can also help to take note of the make and model of their car.
Take Pictures
If you are able to, then take pictures of the accident while you wait. Take photos of any damaged areas of your car and any parts of the car that may have been knocked off or broken. Also, take pictures of yourself to document any immediate and obvious injuries after the accident.
Accept Help at the Scene
If paramedics arrive at the scene, then you want to accept their help. They are here to help you and check for any potential injuries. When you accept help at the scene, you also demonstrate a commitment to your health and safety after the car accident.
Visit a Car Accident Doctor
Visit a car accident doctor as soon as possible to get specialized care and treatment for your injuries. Car accident doctors diagnose and treat all kinds of injuries every day, and they have the knowledge and skills to provide you with the most comprehensive care.
Keeping Track of Your Car Accident Injury Treatment
After the accident, you want to receive treatment from a car accident doctor you trust. It is important to keep track of your treatment and medical care for insurance purposes and to follow through on all prescribed treatments. At AICA Orthopedics in Snellville, our team of car accident doctors works together to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific injuries after a car accident so you can experience rapid results and thorough treatment.