If you have received injuries during a motor vehicle accident, there are several steps you should take immediately. To make this process easier, we have created a Motor Vehicle Accident Recovery Kit, which you can download at the end of this post.
Below you’ll learn exactly what you should do after you experience an accident to ensure that you receive the care and compensation you need and deserve.
What to Do After a Motor Vehicle Accident
After your accident, there are a variety of steps you need to take.
• First, keep yourself safe by getting medical attention for your injuries. Make sure your family doctor also knows about your injuries, and keep a running list of any health care professionals you work with because of your injuries.
• Make sure the police know you have been in an accident. Also write down insurance information and names and addresses of all drivers of vehicles involved. Get names and addresses of witnesses too.
• Notify your accident benefits insurance company of your accident within 7 days. Review other insurance you have through work, school, or privately to see if you have additional coverage.
• Contact your employer, school, bank manager, and credit card company about your accident and injuries. Keep receipts for any expenses you incur, including all medical and other expenses that are related to your injuries.
• Have your family members record dates and times they spend caring for you.
• Write down names, addresses, and phone numbers of everyone you have discussed your accident with.
• Contact a personal injury lawyer to understand your legal rights.
Am I Entitled to Receive Accident Benefits?
No matter who is at fault in a motor vehicle accident, anyone who has been injured may receive medical care and other benefits. Remember that if you file a claim for accident benefits, your insurance rates will not go up because of it.
Why Do I Need Accident Benefits?
Accidents are expensive. Health care, rehabilitation, and cost of living for yourself and your family can all add up. Accident benefits will help you pay for these expenses.
What Accident Benefits am I Eligible for if I’ve been Injured in a Motor Vehicle Accident?
You are eligible for a range of benefits after a motor vehicle accident. You and your caregivers may be reimbursed for attendant care costs. Family members can also be reimbursed for transportation, parking, and other costs incurred in order to visit you.
You can be reimbursed for lost income of up to $400 per week, plus the cost of medical care and treatment.
If you’ve experienced severe injuries that are considered “catastrophic,” you are eligible for additional benefits. These benefits will cover home maintenance and caregiver services, as well as coordination of rehabilitation. Death and funeral benefits are also available in the unfortunate case that the victim dies in the accident.
There are a variety of special circumstances that may give you access to additional benefits, depending on what your insurance covers and how severe your injuries are. If you are unemployed, non-earner benefits may be available. If you are a student, lost education expenses may be covered.
The best thing you can do after an accident is to keep all receipts for expenses you incur due to your accident. Your personal injury lawyer will use these to prove the extent of your injuries to your insurance company.
How Do I Claim Accident Benefits?
After your accident, you should contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. This will ensure that you receive benefits in a timely manner and that you receive the maximum compensation you are eligible for. By contacting a lawyer immediately, you’ll ensure that your claim is handled properly and quickly.
When you work with a personal injury lawyer, they will reduce your stress by dealing with the insurance company. They will notify the company that you are applying for benefits so that you can begin therapy, receive equipment and medical care, and start your recovery quickly. Your lawyer will also help you correctly complete all necessary forms. Finally, they will make sure that your loved ones who have cared for you receive benefits for their time.
These are just the basics of how to handle a motor vehicle accident, of course. If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident, speak to an accident lawyer to understand your rights.
Content Updated: Originally published March 23, 2016
