Car Crashes
Facts About Car Crash Injuries
Passenger cars and light trucks such as sport utility vehicles, vans, and pick-up trucks are involved in 3 out of 4 motor vehicle crashes. About 40% of the crashes will involve an injury and 57% will involve some form of property damage.
There are several important things you should know in order to protect your health and your rights if you have been involved in a car crash.
Emergency Care
You may need to be taken by ambulance because your injury is immediate, obvious, and potentially life-threatening.
Urgent Care
After leaving the place where the accident happened, you may start feeling symptoms that bother you, but are not serious enough to scare you or seem life threatening. For example, your neck or back may begin to spasm, your hands may begin to tingle, or you develop a moderate headache. You feel you need medical attention and you are not comfortable waiting to see your primary care doctor.
Primary Care
You may be able to cope with symptoms described above and wish to see your own doctor because that doctor knows you best.
2 Types of Damages
1. Bodily Injury
Includes pain and suffering, medical expenses, future pain and suffering, loss of ability to work, etc.
2. Property Damage
Includes damage to the vehicles involved, the contents of the vehicles, and damage to other physical property such as buildings, guardrails, and telephone poles.
3 Types of Claims
1. Property Damage
This involves your insurance company and the insurance company of the other vehicle(s).
2. Personal injury or Bodily Injury
This involves the insurance company of the other vehicle(s).
3. No Fault Claims
No Fault claims include medical bills, lost wages, and mileage to and from doctors appointments. No Fault is handled by your insurance company and does not involve the insurance company of the other people involved in the crash.
Costs Associated With Car Crashes
- Loss of Wages
- General Loss of Productivity
- Emergency Care
- Medical Bills
- Property Damages
- Insurance Costs
7 Things You Should Do After a Car Crash
- Get medical care that you need. Keep records and receipts from these visits.
- Take photos of the accident scene. Include stop signs or traffic lights.
- Take photos of your vehicle to show any damage.
- Get the names and contact information for any witnesses.
- Call the police so they can prepare an accident report.
- Speak to the facts at the scene. Avoid admitting any fault.
- Notify your insurance company about the crash.