Slow-moving collisions usually take place around parking lots and driveways. Luckily, personal injuries are less common and insurance claims are quickly resolved. However, even a minor car crash is stressful and unexpected. Minor damage to the car can be expensive and if you are not at fault, you would not want to bear the repair costs. A few tips will help you to stay calm and understand what should be done after a minor car accident.
Important steps to be taken after a Car Accident
- Check for injuries to you and your fellow passengers. Some injuries are not noticeable immediately. If you are not sure about whether you have any injuries, call for an ambulance.
- Look for Fire or Sparks. If you see smoke or smell gasoline, move away from the vehicle. If your car has airbags, you may see dust in the air.
- Do not block traffic. Move your car away from the road to a safer place, if your accident is minor.
- Stay calm and manage your emotions. It is normal to be in shock or become angry after an accident. Do not blame the other driver.
- Call the police as the police report is required in many states if someone is injured, or the damage is above a certain value. The insurance company may also ask for it. The report is important, even if you were not at fault.
- Get contact information of other drivers and eye-witnesses. Take phone numbers, email addresses, and insurance policy information of other drivers. You can use the camera on your mobile to take a picture of these for use later on.
- Avoid roadside negotiations. You don’t want to promise not to pursue an insurance claim or not to involve the police.
- Using your cell phone camera to take pictures of the accident scene and the damage to both vehicles from as many angles as possible. Note any skid marks or any evidence of the other driver’s fault.
- Call your Insurance Provider and report to the insurance company even if you are not at fault. Your insurance card will have the number.
- Never leave the scene of an accident until you have exchanged contact information with other drivers. You will have to wait, if police are on their way or criminal charges may be brought against you.
What to do after a minor Car Accident?
If you were involved in a minor car accident, your insurance rates need necessarily not go up. You will need to look at factors like fault and value of the damage and how your insurance company deals with it. Immediately after the accident take the following steps to settle your claim. Get a copy of the accident report from the police or highway patrol office. Estimate the damages and file an insurance claim against the other driver. If the driver is not insured, you could file a small claims action. If you have uninsured motorist insurance, then file a claim with your insurance provider.
It is important to inform your insurance company about what happened even if there is no damage to any of the cars involved in the minor traffic accident. This will be useful as evidence to support your record of the accident in case the other driver’s story changes later. Dealing with a minor fender bender or the insurance company and scheduling repairs are all time-consuming. Hence it is important to consult an experienced attorney who can help you in processing the claim.
Can Physiotherapy help you recover from Car Crash Injuries?
Prompt medical advice and treatment is the key to recovery in case of a car crash. Today physiotherapy treatment can help in managing, relieving and overcoming pain and physical injuries due to a car crash. Research has shown that the right kind of physiotherapy treatment will promote the body’s healing processes. These healthcare professionals are actually trained to assess, diagnose, and provide the most appropriate therapy plan for recuperating. For example, improving the mobility and strength of the neck can speed up the recovery process.
What does physiotherapy recommend?
Physiotherapy includes various aspects such as educating patients, recommending exercises, and a variety of therapies. Correct body posture and positioning can help in minimizing pain and restoring strength and mobility. Exercises and manual therapy can improve range of motion and reduce pain. Therapies like acupuncture, chiropractic, manual therapy, and massage therapy can provide relief from pain. Rehabilitation programs that include all the above enable patients to recover over time and get back to their normal routine, work or sports.
At Simply Align Rehab we use cutting edge tools and techniques to provide faster relief and outcomes to help our patients recover. If you are a victim of a car accident and have been suffering an injury, no matter how small, do not delay your treatment.
Also read
Call a physiotherapist in your area right away and seek professional help. For a free consultation call us at 416-438-3230 or Text 416-628-8554, Simply Align Rehab – Cedarbrae Medical Centre: 3630 Lawrence Ave E, Scarborough, ON M1G 1P6