6 Things To Do After a Car Accident

In 2016, nearly 2,000 Canadians died in car accidents and tens of thousands more were injured. While these numbers might shock casual observers, they will come as no surprise to personal injury and car accident lawyers who represent injury victims on a daily basis.  

The infographic above, created using statistics from the Government of Canada, aims to make drivers aware of the risks they face on the road and provide guidance for the vital moments following an accident.

Are You Part of an At-Risk Group?

As car accident lawyers know, certain Canadians are at greater risk of automotive injury than others. Senior citizens, for example, are involved in accidents at a higher rate than the general population, as are 25- to 34-year-olds. If you fall into one of these segments, take extra care to adhere to the rules of the road: always wear your seatbelt; avoid distracted driving at all costs; and never drive while intoxicated.

Interestingly, rural drivers are more likely to be involved in fatal accidents, while urban drivers are more likely to be injured. We’ve discussed both the unique risks of rural driving and the serious concerns around inner city road safety before – no matter where you drive, always be aware of your surroundings.

6 Things to do After a Car Accident

Your actions in the moments following an accident can have a profound effect on your physical recovery and your ability to access compensation through a civil suit. The steps included in this infographic are simple but can help you maximize your chances of a full and healthy recovery.

Stay Calm

The first thing to remember when you’ve been in a crash is to stay calm. Take a deep breath, check yourself for injuries, and ensure your passengers are safe. Don’t leave your vehicle until you’ve assessed yourself and the scene surrounding the accident.

Be Safe

Next, remember to be safe. An accident can change the conditions of your surroundings unexpectedly. After an accident, exercise caution when exiting your vehicle and be aware of wreckage or debris that may now be laying around the scene. Proceeding carefully can help avoid further injuries.

Inspect the Scene and Gather Evidence

Once you’ve safely exited your vehicle, take stock of the scene and collect as much information as possible. Take pictures of your vehicle, the environment, and poor road conditions that may have contributed to the crash. Collect names and contact information from other drivers and any witnesses to the event.

Seek Medical Attention

If you are injured, seek medical attention immediately. In the event of a serious injury, an ambulance should be called – be sure to ask for a copy of emergency responders’ reports. Keep track of all the discomforts and pain you experience, it is easy to forget these important details during a hectic or stressful time. They can assist a medical professional in providing you with a quick and accurate diagnosis.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Contacting your insurance company as soon as possible after the incident is important. This will make it easier to recall details about what happened and start the insurance claim process.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

Finally, be sure to contact a car accident lawyer while the details of the accident are still fresh in your mind. If you’ve suffered an injury through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help assess your claim and guide you through the legal process.

Car accident injuries are an all-too-common issue in Canada, but the car accident lawyers at Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers are here to help. If you’ve been involved in an accident, call us today to take your first steps on the road to recovery.