Injuries, no matter how they occur, may set you back considerably. The more serious the trauma, the more your life may change in the short and long term.
When facing an injury in the wake of a motor vehicle accident, your first steps are critical. Recovering what you lost should take precedence over everything else. If you find yourself hurt after a crash, keep these actions in mind so that you can get on the path to recovery.
Preserve evidence at the scene
The first thing you need to do is take as much time at the accident scene as you need to make a full record of the events. Take pictures and videos of the vehicles, the people gathered and the other driver. If you moved your car, go back to the original site and document any debris or damage that may help paint a picture of the events of the crash. You should also get witnesses to remain at the scene, especially if they can identify if the other driver engaged in poor behavior, such as texting, before the crash.
Report the crash to the police
You should ensure that local law enforcement reports to the scene of the accident. Even if you must wait, getting an officer to take a report may help work in your favor. Oklahoma is an at-fault state, which means that determining who is responsible for the crash is crucial to you filing a claim and recovering damages. An officer’s report may become evidence in making that determination.
Seek medical attention immediately
After the crash, you should report to the emergency room or your family physician. Tell them the details of the collision, any possible injuries that you already feel and if you have any preexisting conditions. Establishing medical treatment shortly after an accident can not only help you recover, but it can also help you build a case for reimbursement and compensation from the other insurance company and driver.
Continue monitoring your injuries and getting treatment that the medical provider recommends. For assistance with filing a claim against the at-fault driver, contact a professional for guidance.