Car accidents can be terribly scary and painful to go through. In the aftermath of a horrible crash, a driver may feel as if they are in a fog. The injuries sustained after a huge car wreck can be critical and tragic. It can be difficult to remember what to do next while in such a state of disorientation, pain, and shock. Here in the article below, we have provided answers for a variety of questions, including why you should get medical attention right away, what to do at the scene, and how you could benefit from meeting with an attorney after the wreck.
If I feel okay after the crash, why is it so important I see a doctor?
Someone who was recently involved in a car accident, may feel okay at the time due to a condition called “stress-induced analgesia.” When this happens, adrenaline is released into our system in an attempt to help us overcome whatever dangerous environment awaits us. Our body may jump into a fight or flight response after a traumatic experience, such as a serious car wreck. We may be rushed with hormones that can decrease our ability to sense pain. So, right after the impact of a car collision, you may not feel much of anything. But, in the hours or days to follow you may start to feel a slow creeping of aches, pains, soreness, stiffness, and other discomforts.
What should I do at the scene of a car accident?
If you are hit by another driver in a very severe car wreck, you should try to remain calm and focus on your health first. Call for police and an ambulance so the incident can be officially documented while you receive prompt medical care. If the medical team deems it necessary, you may be rushed to the nearest hospital for further treatment. If you are rushed to the hospital, the police officer can provide you with the driver’s information at a later time. But, if you are stable enough and can muster energy to exchange details with the other driver, collect the following:
- Driver’s full name (not a nickname, copy it straight from license)
- Address
- Phone number
- Insurance company name (read it from insurance card, do accept it verbally)
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Car year, make, model, year and color
How can it help me to meet with an attorney after the crash?
A car accident lawyer Memphis, TN turns to can meet with those recently involved in a car wreck, to help them seek compensation from the driver at-fault. If you were part of a particularly horrible collision, you may have suffered agonizing injuries and substantial vehicle damages as a result. Depending on how the crash unfolded exactly, you may be entitled to a financial award to cover your medical costs, vehicle damages, loss of wage from missing work, and more. An attorney can meet with you to offer insight, and answer any questions.
Thank you to our friends and contributors at Darrell Castle & Associates, PLLC for the insight into car accidents and personal injury.