A car accident can inflict severe, life-altering injuries that leave a victim facing an extensive rehab and recovery period. Knowing what steps to take next can put you in a better position to recover from the crash, and one of the most important things you can do is to contact a car accident lawyer from Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer. We can explain what to expect during recovery and pursue the financial resources you need to afford medical care and take the time to heal from your crash injuries.
The First Steps to Take Following an Accident
Your recovery process after a car accident begins almost immediately. First, you should report the accident to law enforcement and request a copy of the police crash report. Police accident reports frequently serve as critical evidence in car accident claims, and having one that indicates the other driver caused the crash can help you pursue the money you need down the road.
You should also gather contact and insurance information from the other drivers involved in the crash and contact information from any eyewitnesses. Also, organize other evidence or documentation from the accident, such as:
- Accident scene photos/videos
- Vehicle repair records
- Bills, invoices, or receipts for expenses during your recovery
Understanding Your Injuries and the Path to Recovery
Be sure to seek prompt medical attention after a car accident. Seeing a doctor as soon as possible after a crash has several benefits. First, beginning treatment soon after a car crash can improve your injury prognosis by addressing your physical injuries before they become aggravated or worsen. Identifying your accident injuries soon after a crash can also strengthen your claims that the car accident caused those injuries. Don’t put off seeking medical attention or treatment for car accident injuries. You may accidentally give the at-fault driver or insurance company a basis to argue against the severity of your injuries or to contend that the car accident did not cause your injuries.
Once your healthcare provider has identified your injuries, follow their treatment recommendation and recovery instructions, including any physical or work activity restrictions. Deferring treatment for your injuries may lengthen your car accident recovery time and potentially jeopardize your ability to obtain compensation for your medical treatment and rehabilitation expenses.
Navigating Insurance and Financial Support
You should also report the car accident to your insurance provider as soon after the crash as possible. You may have optional coverages in your car insurance policy to help pay for car accident recovery expenses, such as med pay coverage or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
If the other driver caused the accident, you will pursue financial support for your physical recovery from them by filing a claim against their liability insurance policy. Unfortunately, navigating the insurance claims process after car accidents can become challenging and time-consuming for victims who don’t know how to deal with insurers.
Hiring a car accident lawyer can make this process less stressful since a lawyer can help you avoid the pitfalls of the insurance process designed to minimize the value of injury claims. A car accident attorney can also help you recover by preparing and pursuing your insurance and legal claims while you focus on treatment and rehabilitation.
Legal Rights and Seeking Compensation
Recovering from car accident injuries can quickly become expensive. If someone else’s negligence was to blame for the crash, you may have the right to seek compensation from that person for ongoing and future losses or expenses you incur during your recovery. This could include:
- Medical treatment, physical therapy, and rehabilitation expenses
- Replacement services for daily tasks you cannot perform, such as housekeeping or childcare
- Costs of long-term disability care, such as home health services, medical/mobility equipment purchases, or installation of disability accommodations at home if you sustained a severe injury like a traumatic brain injury
- Ongoing and future losses of income or job benefits if you cannot work or you earn less than you did before the accident due to your injuries or disabilities
- Pain and suffering, including reduced quality of life caused by traumatic brain injuries, soft tissue injuries, disabilities, or severe scarring/disfigurement
Long-Term Recovery and Support
A severe car accident can leave you on a long road to recovery, but there are several car accident recovery tips that can help you pursue the support you need along the way. Here are some steps you can take to protect your health and start building a solid insurance claim:
- Continue to rest and limit your physical activity as instructed by your doctor. Your physician will let you know when you can resume various activities, such as returning to work or school, performing strenuous tasks, and participating in physical activities.
- Ask your doctor or physical therapist for at-home stretches and light exercises you can perform to facilitate healing by increasing blood flow and preventing stiffness.
- Ensure you stay hydrated throughout the day since your body will need more water as it heals. Focus on eating healthy, nutritious foods that will give your body the nutrients it needs to repair traumatic injuries.
- Get plenty of sleep every night. Staying well-rested will help facilitate the healing process and reduce your stress levels.
- Follow your physician’s recommendations for managing chronic pain, such as applying hot/cold compresses, taking over-the-counter pain relievers, or going to massage therapy.
Finally, get external support for your recovery process from family members, friends, or mental health professionals. Family and friends can help you with daily tasks you cannot perform due to medical restrictions. They can also encourage you to stick to your recovery plan and resume activities when appropriate. However, if you experience more serious mental health issues, consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor who can help you work through anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Contact Our Phoenix Car Accident Attorney for Help
If you’ve suffered a severe car accident injury, get the legal help you need to pursue financial compensation that can assist with your recovery. Contact Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer today for a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced auto accident attorney and discuss the steps you can take to improve your recovery process.