Assess your health
Whether you were the driver, passenger or pedestrian involved in a car accident, it’s critical to proceed with caution in the seconds and minutes that immediately follow a high-speed accident. You may not be aware right away of the type and severity of injuries you have sustained. Overexerting yourself can risk further injuring yourself. By taking some time to breath and evaluate your health, as well as the health of other drivers and passengers at the crash site, you can better inform yourself of next steps.
Document the scene
It may be the last thing on your mind but making your case for your insurance settlement should start immediately after the crash. If you have the wherewithal and the physical capability, start to make mental, written, photographic and video notes of the scene of the wreck. Factors that will paint a more complete picture for insurance companies include:
- Road conditions
- Damage to all vehicles involved
- Images of injuries sustained
- Names and contact information of those involved in the accident (especially drivers)
- Names and contact information of any first responders who could be called upon to testify in court (if needed)
- Written or recorded statements from witnesses
Receive medical care
Even if you don’t detect obvious signs of injuries, you’ll want to seek immediate medical attention to receive the opinion of a medical expert. Doctors have the knowledge and experience to rule out symptoms of dormant/underlying internal injuries. Your ER doctor may also utilize computerized diagnostic tools such as an MRI, Ct Scan or X-Ray to obtain an otherwise impossible view of internal injuries and abnormalities.
Understand that your adrenaline will be pumping after a car accident. This, along with other frustrating and confusing elements of car wrecks, can lead to patients overlooking significant injuries. Give yourself peace of mind by seeking professional medical care.
Follow up with a chiropractor
Unfortunately, if you have sustained an injury in a high-speed collision, the likelihood that your initial emergency room visit will suffice to manage your injuries, is extremely unlikely. In fact, many car accidents result in severe, chronic and even permanent conditions. Thus, continued care with a local Dallas chiropractor will be highly advised to ensure that your symptoms are limited and actively mitigated.
Confidently make your auto accident insurance claim
Dealing with insurance companies always feels like being between a rock and a hard place. On the one hand, your injuries are starting to rack up medical bills. On the other hand, you see the benefit in waiting out the claims process to cover your future medical treatments as well as account for all the missed work that comes with a debilitating auto accident injury. By telling your physician or chiropractor that you are being treated for a car accident injury, you’re given documented evidence, supported by a medical professional, of the projected costs of your current and future medical expenses. Factors to consider in your automobile accident settlement amount include:
- Property damage
- Immediate medical expenses
- Long-term medical care costs
- Lost wages
- Physical and emotional distress
- Permanent physical or mental impairments
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in the Dallas Fort Worth area, don’t let the frustrations of your injuries and the car accident claims process keep you from affording quality medical care, attaining an active and fulfilling life and earning a fair car accident settlement.
The friendly and knowledgeable team at Elite Healthcare regularly works with car accident victims to legitimize your settlement claim. Schedule your appointment today by calling (817)727-4690.
