Auto Accident Preparedness

You’ve Just Been in an Auto Accident. Now What?

Each year, a staggering number of over six million drivers in the United States will be involved in an auto accident. Whether you’ve just been in an accident that was a minor fender bender or a more severe crash, be prepared and know what steps to take when you’ve just been involved in an auto accident.

1. Stop

Even if the crash you were in was a minor one, never drive away from the scene of an accident.

2. Protect the scene

Chances are, your accident could take place in an inconvenient location like a busy roadway or intersection. Try your best to make the scene of your accident as protected as possible. Activate your vehicle’s hazard lights immediately. If you have a roadside emergency kit, this is a perfect time to use your road flares.

By making the scene of your accident more visible to other drivers, this will help protect you from any further accidents while your vehicle might be disabled on the side of the road. Vehicles should remain where they are, unless they interfere with traffic and can safely pull into a nearby location like a parking lot.

3. Call for help

If anyone involved in the accident has been injured, call 911 immediately. Regardless of your injuries, it’s also important to file a police report right away. Some insurance companies require you to file a police report in order to file an insurance claim. This will allow a third party to assess the scene of the accident and give an official assessment. The police report will also prevent your case from developing into a case of “he said / she said”.

4. Document your accident

While you are still at the scene of the accident, be sure to gather as much evidence as possible to be able to provide to your insurance company.

Take photos of the scene and any damages caused to your vehicle
Get contact information from the other driver or parties involved
Get the contact information of any witnesses to your accident
Exchange insurance information with the other driver
Take down their license plate number
Report your accident to your insurance company
Keep a file of important information and records related to your accident

5. Seek medical attention

More times than not, injuries sustained from your auto accident will not be immediately apparent. It is highly common for injuries to make themselves known a day or two following an accident. Regardless of the severity of your collision, it is extremely important to get assessed by a medical professional. Even in the event of a minor accident, serious and sometimes permanent injuries to the spinal cord can be sustained.

If you have been injured in an auto accident, it is important to seek help from a trusted and experienced chiropractor to help restore your mobility and sense of wellbeing. Chiropractic care will help your body to heal properly following your accident and can also address any underlying issues that may become problematic to your health over time.

At Back In Action Chiropractic, we understand that every auto accident is unique and we’re dedicating to providing you with the right care for your specific injuries. Give us a call today at 360-923-5555 for more information or to schedule an appointment.