Car accidents happen in the blink of an eye and can leave you with lifelong consequences. Here are the key things to do if you are involved in a car accident:
Seek Medical Attention
If you are hurt, seek immediate medical attention. Insurers like to argue that because you didn’t report an injury soon after the accident, that you weren’t hurt at all or that it is not as bad or as serious as you claim. Call an ambulance or see your GP as soon as you can. Tell them you were in an accident. Don’t just tell them what hurts the most – tell your doctor about everything that hurts and make sure they keep a good record on their file.
Take Photos
Everyone sees and processes things differently and people’s memory of events can change over time. Photos are an excellent way to record the scene and are not affected by time or perceptions. Take photos of everything you can at the scene of the accident- the other car, the other driver, damage to your car, road conditions, landmarks in the area, skid marks and any obvious injuries. Often an insurer will argue that the accident wasn’t as bad as what you say. You want to be able to show them exactly where and how you were hit. If the insurer is saying you are at fault or partly at fault, photos taken at the scene can help you present your version accurately and reliably.
Things to Say at the Scene of the Accident
Be very careful what you say at the scene of the accident and to who you say it to. At the accident exchange registration, contact and insurance details with the other driver but don’t talk to the other driver about how the accident happened.
Things to Say to a Doctor
What you say to every single doctor or health care provider you see for treatment becomes part of your evidence in a claim. This starts with ambulance officers, in the emergency department or with your GP or physiotherapist later on. The insurer will eventually review all of your medical records and they are able to use anything found in those records. If a doctor mistakenly writes something down wrong or misunderstands you, the insurer may use this to try and reduce your claim.