All over the world, millions of people travel for both business and pleasure. A person may own a taxi or drive a truck; a parent may do school runs or go on a family holiday. Sadly, these times can often be challenging. There could be adverse weather or heavy traffic, someone with road rage, or impatient children onboard.
When a traveler becomes injured following an accident, it can be both traumatic and upsetting. They may feel confused as to what has happened, and either feel numb or in pain. When a person is not in their hometown they may feel even more disoriented. As a result, It can be hard to know what to do next. This article has been written to answer that question.
ESTABLISH WHT HAS HAPPENED
If there were any witnesses to the event, this may prove key. This is not the time to play the blame game, but it will be important to understand what or who caused the incident.
Don’t get angry or decide to retaliate if it was someone else’s fault. If a third party was responsible for what happened, you may be able to claim legal compensation.
SECURE LEGAL ASSISTANCE
Personal injury lawyers can let people know their rights when another person was responsible for an accident. They can explain the legal process, and which documents need to be collected. It’s encouraging to know that many accident attorneys provide free initial consultations and don’t obligate you to secure their services. Many lawyers operate a ‘no-win no-fee’ arrangement, too.
Attorneys can advise whether a person has a good chance of winning their case and securing financial compensation. Should someone sustain a back and neck injury from a car accident, for example, the average settlement could be anywhere between $10,000 and millions. People often rely on lawyers to evaluate the damage and to seek reimbursement for the injuries on their behalf.
GET CHECKED OUT MEDICALLY
It may be appropriate for an ambulance or paramedic to be called. If someone feels in shock but otherwise okay, they may feel tempted to continue their journey. This could prove a big mistake.
Adrenaline can mask pain. Some physical symptoms such as whiplash may take time to materialize, as could any secondary symptoms. If someone experienced a brain bleed as a result of an accident, it could prove potentially fatal if this was not discovered in time.
It may be that a doctor will take X-rays, or refer you for an MRI or CT scan. You may also be referred to a specialist for a full diagnosis. It’s important to involve the medical profession right from the start because their medical evidence could prove key to you winning a legal case.
DOCUMENT EVERYTHING
Keep every medical bill. Draw diagrams that show your understanding of the accident. This may include the positioning of different cars before, during, and after the event.
Secure the contact details of any witnesses. If you can, record them speaking into your phone and recounting the scenario. Make sure you get the contact details of the other parties involved in the incident, including their driving license and insurance details. Check it’s their car, too. If it isn’t, find out the owner’s details.
CREATE PHOTOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE
Take as many pictures as you can of the accident scene. Do so from lots of different angles. Include vehicles, number plates, the areas of damage, and any road debris. Skid marks can help confirm the speed and direction that a vehicle was making.
There may be landmarks to help identify where everything occurred. Perhaps there is key evidence you can capture relating to the road quality. If it has been poorly maintained, the owner may be liable for negligence.
ADVISE YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY, AND KEY PEOPLE
If your car is insured, contact the company. If you have medical insurance, let them know too.
Let a loved one or family member know what has happened. If your car is no longer driveable, perhaps they can collect you. It’s important that someone knows where you are and if you are going to the hospital. Let your employer know too, in case you will be off work while you recover. If the accident occurred during your working hours, the legal process may be different.
When someone takes the right steps from the outset, they give themselves the best chance of recovering physically. They will also be in the strongest position possible to receive a just and fair compensation sum. Hopefully, it won’t be long before the accident becomes a thing of the past.
