A car accident can be a stressful and overwhelming experience even if you don’t experience serious injuries. Chiropractors have heard stories from patients who didn’t feel like they knew what to do after a car accident. It helps to have an idea of the steps you should take after a car accident before one ever happens to you so you can be prepared. Once you know about these steps you can better recall them during the stress of the accident.
When your adrenaline is pumping and you are maybe even traumatized by the experience, it can be hard to notice how severe your car accident injuries might be. That’s why it is important to follow through with these steps to not only help support a potential insurance or personal injury claim, but to also take care of your health and well-being so you can experience a full recovery.
1. Call the Police
In the event of a car accident, it is important to have documentation for insurance and claims purposes so you can get the care and treatment you need from an Atlanta Chiropractor. Calling the police to the scene is less about getting someone in trouble and more about making sure there is a record of the accident. The police officer will file a report that you can later request from the police department if you need it for claims purposes. The police can also help take control of the scene, which includes ensuring your safety and making sure the roadway is safe for others.
2. Move to Safety
The next step following a car accident is to move to safety. If the car accident is minor then the recommendation is that you move the cars to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot area for the safety of yourself and others. It can also help prevent any additional accidents happening or a potential traffic jam. However, if you are unsure whether or not to move your car you can wait for the police to arrive at the scene. Police will be able to make the determination as well of whether or not it is safe and clear to move to a better area.
3. Take Photos
While waiting for the police to arrive or complete their report, you should take photos of the accident to have a record. Sometimes police officers also take photographs for their police report as well. Even if you aren’t sure in the moment if you plan to file a personal injury claim, taking photos in the moment will keep you from regretting you don’t have more documentation in the future. In addition to taking photos of the car accident and damage to your car, you should also take photos of your injuries. Visible injuries such as scrapes, bruises, and even broken bones combined with photos of the accident can help your chiropractor Atlanta doctors and insurance companies better determine how the injuries were received.
4. Accept Medical Care
If paramedics are called to the scene, the most important thing you can do is to accept their help! While you might be tempted to say “I’m fine” out of politeness or being overwhelmed, it is important to note that you are not always thinking clearly after an accident. Your body will respond to this type of event with adrenaline, which can help you go on autopilot. The shock and trauma of the accident combined with adrenaline can actually mask symptoms of a more serious injury. Paramedics will assess you for common car accident injuries and also document how you may have been affected by the accident. You should follow through on any recommendations for emergency or urgent care as well.
5. Follow Up with Car Accident Doctor
While paramedics or emergency doctors may take care of your immediate injuries and symptoms after a car accident, you should seek out further treatment for a comprehensive look at how your body was affected. Car accident doctors and chiropractors in Atlanta are knowledgeable and skilled in treatment for car accident injuries. These types of injuries can be tricky because symptoms don’t always show up right after the accident. In fact, symptoms of whiplash, the most common car accident injury, can show up in the hours and even days after the accident.
6. Complete Recommended Treatment
Chiropractors in Atlanta who are trained as car accident doctors will develop a treatment plan to address your specific injuries. For the benefit of your health and recovery, as well as any insurance or personal injury claim, it is best that you follow through with the treatment plan. Chiropractors in Atlanta have your best interest in mind and use an individualized treatment approach to provide you the unique care you deserve. Call us today!