How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

How to Protect Yourself and Your Family in an Auto Accident

Sooner or later you or someone you love will get hurt in an auto accident and perhaps suffer the physical, emotional and financial losses that can result.   The average person is in an accident every ten years. 

Ask your doctor - our bodies (especially the spine, neck and head) are not built to absorb the instant accelerations and decelerations of even a “minor” auto accident.   Crash resistant bumpers often mask the actual force of a collision.  As we get older and have more accidents, the more likely it is that injuries will bring lifelong consequences. 

There are common sense things you can do both before and after the accident to reduce the frustration and loss that an injury can cause. 

PRE-ACCIDENT PREPARATIONS:

• Buy uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance coverage
• Do not elect a personal injury protection insurance deductible
• Drive a heavy vehicle
• Raise your headrest to meet the back of your head
• Wear your seatbelt properly
• Learn how to properly install child seats - it isn’t easy.  Check with a local children’s hospital.
• Keep pen, paper and a camera in your car
• Sit at least six inches from the steering wheel
• Watch out for the other guy and if you see an accident coming:
• Avoid head-on or fixed object collisions
• Brace yourself and face forward
• Turn the wheel before you brake
• Do not pump anti-lock brakes
• Keep this brochure in your glove box

AT THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT YOU MAY FEEL DAZED OR IN SHOCK BUT YOU NEED TO:

• Call the police and cooperate with them
• Sign the ticket if they give you one
• Get the names of witnesses, especially if it is a “disputed green” or “sideswipe” accident
• Consider photographing damage to the other car
• Consider being checked at the emergency room, especially with a head injury or altered consciousness
• Relax, you will feel worse tomorrow

AFTER THE ACCIDENT:

• Call your family MD and Family Chiropractor.  Physicians who know you are in the best position to give opinions about your condition before versus after the accident.  They care about you as a person.
• Most chiropractors have experience in treating accident injuries.  Get a full evaluation by your chiropractor - ASAP - the first 72 hours are critical.
• Report the accident to your insurance company
• Photograph the damage to your vehicle from all angles
• Get a repair estimate from a dealer who sells new the make of car that was damaged
• If your car is totaled you are entitled to retail value plus sales tax and loss of use.

CONSIDER HIRING A LAWYER:

• It should cost you nothing up-front
• Get a referral from your doctor, another lawyer or someone you trust
• Do not rely on advertising in hiring a lawyer
• Insist on meeting and interviewing the lawyer before considering him or her
• Don’t settle for meeting an assistant
• Interview several lawyers before deciding
• Hire only a lawyer you trust and think you can work with
• Insist on good communication and being kept fully informed
• Do not settle for poor or indifferent service from any lawyer
• Do not give statements to the insurance company for the other driver
• >Tell every doctor of every problem on every visit - include mild and intermittent problems
• Be on the lookout for subtle problems such as ear or jaw pain, dizziness, forgetfulness or emotional changes

BEWARE:

The other insurance company is out to save money and protect its own interests - not yours.