top of page
auto accident-3.jpg

WHAT TO DO AFTER AN ACCIDENT

Obtain all the relevant information

  • Get the names, phone numbers, drivers’ license, plate numbers, and insurance information of all drivers involved in the accident.

  • Remember to note the time and place in which the accident took place.

Report the accident

  • Even if an accident is minor, it is important that you call the police to file a police report.

  • Contact your insurance company and report the accident. Check to see if you have any accident injury coverage (Med Pay or PIP).

Document the accident

  • Remember to take photos of the damages to all vehicles.

  • If there is a witness, don't forget to get his/her name and phone number.

YOUR PHYSICAL CONDITION MATTERS THE MOST

  • If you have been in a motor vehicle or any other kind of accident, don't assume that you escaped injury if you are not currently in pain. People don't often seek treatment following a car accident because they don't feel pain due to distraction caused by the stressful event. Numerous studies have shown that years after victims settle their insurance claims, roughly half of them state that they still suffer with symptoms from their injuries. One of the articles that studies long-term outcome after whiplash injury states that at 2 years, still 18% of patients had injury-related symptoms (Radanov, B. P et al., 1995 (1)). Another study regarding the effect of accident mechanisms and initial findings on the long-term course of whiplash injury shows that 24% of patients were still symptomatic after 1 year (Sturzenegger, M. et al., 1995 (2)). It is crucial for you to check your physical condition with a doctor within a week following the accident, even if you think it is irrelevant.

​

(1. Radanov, Bogdan P., Matthias Sturzenegger, and G. Stefano Di. "Long-term outcome after whiplash injury. A 2-year follow-up considering features of injury mechanism and somatic, radiologic, and psychosocial findings." Medicine 74.5 (1995): 281-297.)

(2. Sturzenegger, Matthias, Bogdan P. Radanov, and Giuseppe Di Stefano. "The effect of accident mechanisms and initial findings on the long-term course of whiplash injury." Journal of neurology 242.7 (1995): 443-449.)

Got into an auto accident? We're here to help you! Call now for consultation.

Tel. 571 - 395 - 8413 / 8443

bottom of page