Keep a Post-auto Accident Plan in Your Glove Box

Being in a car accident can be scary and confusing. You may be grateful that you walked out of the accident alive, but at the same time, you know that a lot more can go wrong. To help you out, here are five essential facts everyone should know after a car accident.

1. Some Injuries Don't Show Up Right Away.

Sometimes, you may feel completely fine right after a car accident. However, that doesn't mean that you are fine. Internal bleeding, whiplash, concussions, and some spinal injuries may not be instantly apparent after a car accident. To be on the safe side, you should always seek medical treatment after a car accident.

2. Everyone Can Go to an Emergency Room.

That said, if you don't have health insurance, you may be wondering what to do. Some doctors may be willing to see you after an accident if you can pay in cash, and some clinics offer treatment on a sliding scale for uninsured people. If you can't find an option like that, keep in mind that everyone can go to the emergency room.

Emergency rooms are legally obligated to treat you, whether you have insurance or not. They will send you a bill, but if the accident wasn't your fault, the other driver may be required to pay your bills.

3. In No-Fault States, Your Insurance Has to Pay Some of the Damages.

If you live in one of the country's no-fault states, your insurance will have to cover at least some of your damages. That rule stands regardless of who caused the accident. However, if you have severe damages, such as extensive damage to your vehicle, high medical bills, lost wages, or other expenses, the at-fault driver's insurance may have to cover some of those damages.

4. You Should Never Accept the First Settlement Offer.

Sometimes, the other driver or their insurer may contact you and offer a settlement. If that happens, it's almost a sure sign that they know they are financially responsible for the accident. Once you accept a settlement, you agree not to seek any more money. To protect yourself, never accept the first settlement.

5. A Lawyer Can Help

After a car accident, it can be hard to know what you need. If you develop a disability, it can be especially hard to estimate how much the accident is going to cost you. A car collision attorney can help with all that. They can assess the damages and negotiate with the other driver's insurance policy.