If you've been involved in a serious car accident, you're likely feeling a host of emotions. It's not always easy to know what to do and how to handle the event, especially if the injuries don't appear to be serious or you think that your insurance company will take care of everything from start to finish. But these situations don't always go as expected. Here are three things you must do after a serious accident in order to protect yourself and prevent any problems down the road.
See A Doctor
If you've been in a serious car accident after which you walk away, you may not think you're hurt. And in fact, you may not be. An automobile crash does not guarantee that everyone will suffer injuries.
But it's still imperative that you be examined by a doctor, and here's why.
Endorphins. After an injury occurs, your body produces adrenaline and endorphins as part of the flight-or-fight response. These two chemicals work as numbing agents to block pain, and they could even make you feel energized. You could be injured and not even know it.
Shock. Following a car accident, you may experience shock. This can lead to a state of confusion, where you may be convinced you're perfectly fine when, in reality, you're not. Medical professionals can assess the seriousness of the situation and get you the help you need.
Delayed Injuries. For various reasons, many injuries can take several days for the symptoms to manifest, especially after the endorphins have worn off. Soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash, are usually the most common type of injury with a delayed onset. When you allow yourself to be seen by a doctor, they can examine you for any hidden medical problems as well as tell you what to look for in the way of signs and symptoms of other injuries.
Get Help For PTSD
PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder has received widespread attention over the past few decades. It's an anxiety disorder that can occur following any traumatic experience, whether you're in a car accident or you simply witness one. It's been estimated that out of the 3 million people who are involved in car accidents each year, anywhere from 10-45% will develop some sort of PTSD. And it can happen to anyone at any age.
Not everyone who goes through a traumatic car accident will experience PTSD. By the same token, just because you've been through what many perceive to be a minor traffic accident doesn't mean that you won't experience it. Everyone processes trauma differently, so it's important to be on the lookout for symptoms such as the following:
- Intrusive thoughts about the event
- Nightmares or flashbacks
- Avoidance of people who trigger reminders
- Loss of interest in daily activities
- Feelings of anxiety or depression
- Difficulty focusing and sleeping
- Having emotional outbursts
If you find yourself experiencing any or all of the above symptoms, it's important to seek professional help. Treatment can be anything from medication to talk-therapy or some combination of both. And many patients report feeling better within 6-12 weeks.
Consult With An Attorney
Most people are going to automatically seek legal counsel if they get sued after a car accident. But you may want to at least consult with a licensed attorney, even if you think there won't be a lawsuit, particularly if you have an unusual situation such as the following:
- Difficulty determining fault
- Sketchy police report
- Involvement of pedestrians
- Lack of auto insurance
- Insurance company that acts weird
For example, you may think that your auto insurance company will handle everything for you. And in most cases, this is true. However, your insurance company is not always on your side. Remember that their primary objective is to minimize costs. They may decide to settle with the plaintiff, making it appear as though it's your fault when it isn't. This can lead to inflated rates and premiums. An attorney can represent you and give you advice on how to navigate through these tricky waters. And they will always advocate on your behalf and work to protect your rights.
If money is an issue, recognize that most car accident lawyers can represent you on a contingency basis, which means they only get paid if you do.
