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4 THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR AFTER BEING IN A CAR ACCIDENT

Written by Allen Brown in Cars on the 22nd April 2021

Have you just been in an accident? Your thoughts are probably rushing just as much as your heart. You do not know what to do or who to call. Everything seems to happen so fast that you may have barely any time to react. Unfortunately, accidents are common, and they can happen when you least expect them. Whether it is your fault or someone else’s you must know what to do after an accident. Here are four important things to look out for.

Signs of Injury

Accidents are sudden and they can leave you shaken. Even when you are injured, you may not realise it immediately. It is important to look out for signs of injury. Some of them may manifest up to 24 hours later. If you have visible injuries like cuts, scrapes, facial injuries, or burns, take pictures and see a doctor as soon as possible. Injuries whose symptoms take long to show include whiplash, concussion, soft-tissue injuries, and internal organ damage. The symptoms of concussions include:

- Dizziness

- Memory loss

- Confusion

- Mood swings

- Headache

- Changes in sleep patterns

- Migraines

- Sensitivity to loud noises and bright lights

Do not dismiss these symptoms. Even the mildest TB1 can affect you for the rest of your life. Whiplash is common as well. The injury, also known as neck sprain or neck strain, is common after rear-end accidents. It triggers a sharp pain in the neck and it results from overextending your spinal joints, nerves, and muscles. The symptoms of whiplash include:

- Shoulder pain

- Fatigue

- Neck pain

- Blurred vision

- Tinnitus

- Changes in your sleep pattern

It is important to see a doctor as soon as possible even if you do not have symptoms of injury.

Helpful Evidence

Look out for any evidence that may support your case. Take photos and videos of the accident, witness accounts, and anything else that may help your case. It is important to document the details of your case as much as possible. You don’t need a pro camera. The camera on your phone is enough. Photograph anything that can help when filing your claim. The details are especially important if you were hurt in a distracted driving accident in Tampa and exchange contact details with everyone that was in the accident. Take their license plate numbers, passenger names, drivers’ names, and insurance information. Other important details include the makes and models of all the involved cars, badge number and contact details of responding officers, and the location of the accident. If you need help, call for it and document the type of help you receive. If anyone has been seriously injured, contact emergency services like the fire department, highway patrol, or ambulance.

Danger In the Environment

Even though you may be confused, take some time to assess your environment. Look out for anything that could pose an immediate danger to you and others involved in the accident. If you suspect that you may be in danger, move to a safer area and call for help. However, you should not move away from the scene of the accident. Leaving the scene of an accident can have severe consequences. It causes you to lose evidence and may cause your driving privileges to be revoked. You may be charged with a ‘hit and run’ and your license may be suspended. Important things to record while at the accident scene include the make and model of the other car and its license plate. If, however, the other driver flees the accident scene, do not attempt to chase them.

Other Possible Issues

After fixing your car and getting medical help after the accident, look out for other possible causes of accidents. Many people get into minor accidents. If, however, you don’t address the cause of the problem, you may soon get into a major accident. Common causes of accidents include:

Flat Tires: Getting a flat tire while driving can be exasperating. Fortunately, you can prevent it. Ensure that your tires are fairly new, and check the pressure every month.

Breakdowns: Sudden breakdowns are common. If your car has broken down, stop it and take it as far off the road as you can. Since it may be difficult to fix a broken-down car on your own, call the police or signal road assistance by displaying a white piece of cloth.

Driving Habits: Consider changing your driving habits if they may have contributed to an accident. About 94 percent of road accidents are a result of human error. The worst driving habits include speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, and aggressive driving. If you have just been in an accident, there are a few important things to look out for. The most important ones include injuries, evidence, and dangers to the environment. Being vigilant will help you avoid more problems.