Many people know what to do in the moments right after a car accident: exchange info, call your insurance company and get medical attention. What about the next few days? Whether you’re in a fender bender or a major crash, all car accidents can take a toll on you. Here is what you should expect in the days after a crash.
1. Shock
Many people are surprised to find that they feel… nothing! Feeling normal in the hours and days after an accident can be unsettling, especially if the accident was major. This is completely normal and most likely a result of being in shock. After a traumatic event like a car accident, there is a lot of adrenaline running through your body and it might take a while to process what happened, both physically and mentally.
2. A wave of feelings – physically and emotionally
The shock doesn’t last forever, and when it ends, it can be jarring. People experience a variety of emotions after an accident including anger, pain, guilt, and even fear of getting behind the wheel again. Physical pain can develop over time, as well. Even if you walked away from the crash feeling “fine”, it can take days, weeks, or even months to realize that you were injured. These delayed reactions are why you should always seek medical treatment after an accident and probably take a day off for when your emotions catch up to you.
3. A long list of to-dos
From medical appointments to notifying your insurance company, there are a lot of loose ends to tie up in the days after an accident. If your car was towed away or significantly damaged, you will also need to start the repair process and arrange alternative transportation. These tasks, along with point #2, are why it’s always a good idea to take the day off after a car accident. Give yourself a break from your daily schedule to recover physically and mentally, and get your tasks done.
4. Contact from the other driver’s insurance company
It doesn’t take long for the claim adjustors from the other insurance companies to come knocking. They might say they’re just checking in to see how you’re doing or ask for your version of what happened. Or, they might be upfront and offer you a settlement. These people seem caring and their offer might seem generous but remember, their mission is to save the insurance company money. Don’t talk to them and certainly don’t accept any money. Remember, you are only required to report the accident to YOUR insurance company, not have a conversation with any other company.
5. A need for legal advice
As you can see, the days after an accident can be overwhelming. It can be hard to make big decisions that impact your future during such a crazy time. Luckily, there is someone who can help: an experienced car accident lawyer.
A lawyer, like the ones here at Dean Waite & Associates, LLC, can help with everything from finding you the right doctor to fending off the predatory insurance company. They can also pursue a separate car accident claim to make sure you’re rightfully compensated for all the stress and pain brought on by your accident.
The best part? You don’t have to worry about an additional bill. The attorneys at Dean Waite & Associates, LLC work on a contingency fee, meaning that you don’t pay a dime out of pocket. If we don’t win your case, you don’t pay anything at all.
You’ve already been through enough. Focus on your self-care and let a car accident lawyer take care of everything else. The only thing you have to do is set up your free meeting with an attorney. Contact us today to schedule one!