Despite the fewer cars on the road due to the COVID-19 pandemic containment measures, accidents can still happen. A car accident is typically challenging, and the current pandemic makes it even more complicated and stressful for those injured. With safety still a major priority, it’s vital to think through the additional precautions to take after an accident.
Handling a Car Crash During the COVID-19 Pandemic – Source: Unsplash
Here are some insights into how you can handle a car accident during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Start With the Basics
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you should take some necessary steps to increase your chances of getting compensated for your injuries.
- Don’t leave the car crash scene until you resolve the situation, usually until law enforcement arrives and writes a report.
- Call 911 or any help for anyone who’s injured and take necessary action to prevent further accidents. If you’ve sustained fatal injuries, seek medical attention immediately.
- Gather any critical accident-related information from the other driver – names, license plates, contacts, and other details like witness names and contacts.
- Document the car crash scene as best as you. Write down details and photos of the vehicles involved in the accident, road condition, take pictures of the accident scene, and other information.
- Contact your car insurance provider and let them know you’ve been in a car accident.
- Don’t talk to the insurance adjusters of the other party or signs any papers – stick to the basic facts of the accident – names, type of car, dates, etc.
- Seek legal representation. A car crash lawyer will help analyze your accident case and build a strong personal injury claim so you can get the compensation you deserve.
Follow Social Distancing Rules
Before the coronavirus pandemic, you would simply approach the other driver and exchange information without a fuss. But now, you need to follow social distancing rules to ensure your safety and that of others around you. You don’t have to follow the typical hand-to-hand document exchange that happens after a car accident.
Keep a distance of at least six feet between yourself and others and wear a protective mask if you can and gloves when interacting with others in the accident scene. Instead of exchanging paperwork, exchange details verbally with the other driver, witnesses, and other parties involved. Exchange all necessary information via text and take photos of crucial documents.
Make sure any information you take is clear and visible. If you feel unsafe in any way due to the other driver’s behavior, stay in your vehicle, call law enforcement, and wait until they arrive in the accident scene and assist you in the process. Also, expect a detailed accident report.
Seek Medical Attention
If you’ve sustained injuries, whether minor or major, you should seek medical attention promptly. If your injuries don’t need immediate attention, call your primary caregiver for recommendations on what you should do about your specific car accident injury situation. With the current situation, they can address your initial needs via a video call or an in-person visit.
For injuries that require immediate medical attention, make sure to notify your doctor in advance about your situation. Don’t delay seeking medical evaluation after a car crash. This is vital as documenting your injuries and course of treatment is crucial in personal injury claims. Your doctor should be able to advise the appropriate treatment based on local healthcare safety measures.
Prepare for Some Delays
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected pretty much every area of our lives. You can expect to face some minor delays in processing your accident injury case – from medical treatment, claim processing, court system delays, and communication with insurance companies.
The good thing is that car accident lawyers are still handling personal injury claims over the phone, email, and other remote methods. These are unprecedented times. But don’t hesitate to file a personal injury claim. Get in touch with a personal injury lawyer for advice.
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