Saturday, January 1, 2011

Accident?: follow this check list

I just read a great article in the AAA magazine. It actually totally agrees with me! It gave a great list of what you should do immediately after an accident. You're probably scared, nervous, angry and possibly hurt. The first thing you should do is stay calm and keep your cool. You can't make good decisions or get the information you need if you go off half cocked. The second thing is probably as important as the first and that's to check yourself and everyone else for injuries. If needed, call ambulance--don't take chances. Third, call the police--always! There can be hidden injury or property damage. Don't let the other person try to talk you out of it or worse try to pay you cash to "settle" things right there. Fourth, get all and everyones information. Tag numbers, license numbers, insurance company and policy numbers. Fifth, get addresses and phone numbers of all passengers and witnesses. Sixth, write down what you remember that happened in your words. Was it raining? How fast were you going? Even silly things like "my hat or glasses or wig ended up in the back seat". Use your cell phone to take pictures of ALL the cars at all angles and the surrounding areas. Seventh, don't admit fault and don't speak with anyone except the police, your family and your insurance company. Eighth, this is one I really whole heartedly agree with! Don't think you are fine and say your not injured. It is very common not to feel symptoms for one or two day after an accident. There may be a hidden injury. Many people try to treat themselves. This is probably not the best thing to do. Of course I believe every one should come see me first and remember we have a medical facility at our office too. Ninth, call your insurance company as soon as possible. Tenth, this one is not on AAA list. Don't accept calls from or talk to anyone you don't know about your accident. "Runners" or "Ambulance Chasers" will get your accident information illegally. He/she will say anything to get you to go to a doctor or lawyer just to make money off of you. They care nothing about whether or not you will get good treatment or legal representation. Trust your family, a doctor you have seen before, your personally chosen attorney or a very close family member.
Chiropractic is the best avenue for soft tissue injuries. As I always ask, just give me a chance.