Car accidents occur every four seconds. Many millions of people from all across the world die every single year as a result of car accidents, whether from their own negligent driving or from other peoples. The scourge of negligent driving is one that must be rooted out – which is why governments around the world are increasing the penalties imposed upon negligent drivers after they cause car accidents.
If you have been the victim of a car accident, then this page will tell you some things that you absolutely must do to ensure the responsible party is adequately punished and you receive the compensation that you are due. You mustn’t ever allow a negligent driver to get away with causing a car accident, and rather, you must vehemently pursue them until they have been convicted and received a punishment.
Have you been involved in a car accident? Here are a few things that you must do afterward.
Medical Aid
Car accidents can cause very severe injuries, not only for you but for the other parties involved in the accident. If you have been the victim of a car accident, the first thing that you must do is seek medical attention – not just for yourself, but for the other people involved.
While you may be okay without any outward injuries, the other car involved could be in critical condition. Providing your car is not smoking and is not aflame, specialists suggest staying inside your car, as you may have suffered internal injuries that could worsen with movement. You should phone for an ambulance, however, to tend to the other cars that have been involved – and to yourself if you believe that it warrants it. Medical aid is crucial in an accident.
Law Enforcement
Accidents are very often caused by drivers who are intoxicated. If you have had an accident and believe it to be the consequence of a driver who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, call the police immediately. If you do not phone for the police, the party who is intoxicated will be able to get away and escape detection; the alcohol will leave their bloodstream and they will have gotten away with causing an accident. Phone for the police should you detect alcohol on the person’s breath or just believe them to be intoxicated.
Legal Aid
Once you have dealt with the former points, which are far more important on the scene of the accident, you can arrange legal aid. Legal aid after you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident is absolutely essential, especially if you believe you are due compensation. As was mentioned in the introduction, you mustn’t ever let a negligent driver escape without receiving some form of punishment, and if the police are not interested in pursuing a conviction, then it may well be time for a civil lawsuit to be launched. Your attorney can advise you with this and help you make the best decision.
Mental Health
Addressing your mental health after a serious car accident is absolutely crucial, should you want to recover both physically and mentally. Car accidents can leave a longstanding dent in your mental health and can hinder your quality of life. Addressing your mental health is absolutely essential and you must ensure that you do it as soon as you begin to notice a problem.
The warning signs of mental illness are subtle at first, but gradually give way to much more perceptible problems, such as panic attacks; fatigue; trouble sleeping; anxiety; depression; suicidal thoughts; irrational fear. Pursue mental help from a mental health professional after a car accident. PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) is a very common symptom found in survivors of car accidents and is one that if left untreated, can wreak havoc on their personal lives.
Acceptance
If you have been involved in a serious car accident wherein somebody found themselves fatally injured – you must grow to accept it. Instances like these can be very haunting and can plague you for the rest of your life, even if you were not responsible. You must accept what happened and try as best as you can to forgive the party who was responsible.
By not forgiving the party, you will never be able to move on – and without acceptance – you will hold onto the accident for the rest of your life. Acceptance, however, does not mean that you do not pursue legal action – absolutely pursue legal action – but when that is over, try to forgive and forget.
Now, with the help of this page, you know some things you must do in the aftermath of a car accident. Car accidents can be very traumatizing and differ in severity with every single case. Avoid them as best you can and drive as responsibly as possible.
