Take These Steps Immediately After a Car Accident

Unfortunately, where there are cars, there will be car accidents. However, being prepared can help you stay in control of the situation as much as possible. And, if you get injured, knowing what to do can help you get the care you need and also help you recover as quickly as possible.

At Alpha Care Medical, our providers are experts in treating people who have been involved in car accidents. At our locations in Seaford, Millsboro, Harrington, and Dover, Delaware, our physicians offer injury care, pain management treatment, and counseling, so we can help you no matter what you’re going through.

In this blog, our providers explain what you should do if you get into a car accident.

What can happen to me in a car accident?

Car accidents can cause any number of injuries. Even crashes that don’t appear to cause much damage can still cause injuries. For example, one injury that is common in minor accidents is whiplash, in which the head and neck whip back and forth rapidly. Other common injuries that can result from vehicle accidents include: 

• Strains
• Sprains
• Back injuries
• Dislocations
• Fractures
• Broken bones

It’s important to remember that you may feel fine for a few days, or even a week, and experience pain from your accident later. This is particularly common in cases of whiplash and certain back injuries, so it’s best to contact your provider at Alpha Care Medical following your accident, no matter if you feel pain right away.

What should I do immediately after a car accident?

If you have an accident, having a plan already in place can help guide you through the chaos of the event’s aftermath. Keep these points in mind if you drive.

Check yourself for injuries

Injuries are a greater concern than the state of your car and should be treated as such. See if you can move without pain. If you can tell that you’re injured, call for help immediately. If anyone is in the car with you, ask if they’re injured. Young children may need help with checking for injuries.

Move yourself and your car out of traffic

If you’re able to do so, get to the shoulder of the road or at least out of oncoming traffic. Be mindful of your own body as you’re moving, as pain will likely indicate that you’ve been injured.

Call the police

While some accident survivors might be tempted to skip this step, calling the police and filing a report will make your auto claims process smoother and easier. If your insurer covers medical expenses, the police can provide additional context with a report that can be submitted to both your medical and car insurance companies.

Document the accident

If you’re able to, take pictures of the accident on your phone. If you don’t use a smartphone, keep a disposable camera in your glovebox or armrest. Furthermore, exchange license and insurance information with the others involved.

Contact your auto insurer

Some auto policies cover medical expenses after an accident. Reporting your accident in a timely manner is crucial to your claim, and submitting all of the documentation, including the police report, is usually required in order to receive the benefits of your policy. 

Make an appointment with your provider at Alpha Care Medical

Our providers at Alpha Care Medical specialize in treating accident survivors from the inside out. Many people who survive severe accidents experience physical as well as psychological issues. Our providers treat both aspects with a variety of therapies designed to work together to help you heal as thoroughly as possible.

We’re here to help

If you’ve been in an auto accident, we can help you get well. No matter if you feel pain or not, it’s always a good idea to get checked out. If you’re injured, we can help you heal, and if you feel fine, we can check for any issues you may not know about.

To get care after an auto accident, book an appointment online or over the phone with Alpha Care Medical today.