Nobody really ever plans to be involved in an auto accident. An accident can typically occur suddenly without any warning. It can be extremely unnerving.

Depending upon the severity of the crash and your ability to function, immediately following it, these are some helpful steps that can help you protect your rights in the event that the accident was due to the negligence of at least one or more drivers.

1. Try to stay calm. Many times your adrenaline or shock occurs when forces are exerted upon you from the effects of an auto collision which can certainly disrupt your ability to think clearly and act rationally.

2. If you have a Smart Phone, iPad or any other device, use them to photograph the accident scene before any of the vehicles are moved.

3. Also try to video the responsible driver or other individuals who you feel are responsible, in order to obtain their auto insurance information and to confirm what they did to actually cause the collision. Most people who inadvertently cause an auto accident, typically acknowledge their fault and responsibility right after it occurs. It’s only after they get home, and either have to explain what occurred to their spouse or parents, that their recollections begin to falter.

4. If the Police arrive at the scene, make sure to inform them of any pain and discomfort that you have, no matter or trivial you believe these complaints to be. Often, these physical complaints are warning signs and indicators of a serious or significant injury which gradually becomes more apparent within the first 24-48 hours following the collision. If you do experience immediate physical pain or discomfort, and paramedics or EMT personnel are called to the scene, then have them conduct their own examination to confirm the areas of your body that are hurting while you are still at the scene of the accident.

5. It is not always necessary for you to agree to have an ambulance transport you to the emergency room if the severity of your injuries don’t warrant immediate care. However, if you are experiencing severe pain or discomfort, numbness or tingling or other complaints which might be life threatening, then it is advisable to receive emergency care immediately.

6. If your physical complaints are not significant to warrant emergency room treatment, then it is advisable for you to schedule an examination with your primary or general physician in order to receive a proper medical examination and to receive the appropriate medication for the complaints that you are experiencing.

7. It is important for you to understand that any delay that you experience in receiving medical care, following an auto accident, only makes it much easier for the defendant’s insurance carrier to argue that the symptoms which you are experiencing are unrelated to the collision.

These are a few of the recommended steps that should be taken immediately following an auto accident. If you would like to learn additional information regarding how to protect your interest and to obtain full compensation for the injuries, economic damages and hardships that you experience as a result of another’s negligence, please contact Gary Sernaker at either of his two offices. He will provide you with a free consultation to discuss how to protect your rights and those of your family.