Summer is just round the bend, and the first rays of sun are starting to beam through our windscreens as we take to the open road. More people than ever will be enjoying staycations this year, and the roads look set to be busy with drivers in a hurry to holiday.
Though you might think it’s the icy roads and poor visibility of winter which are most dangerous to drivers, it’s actually the warmer, lighter months when the most accidents occur. According to the Independent, ‘’summer drivers are more likely to speed and be in accidents’’, with June the worst month for insurance claims relating to incidents on the road.
Of course, road accidents aren’t inevitable, but they can and do happen, with extra care needed in the upcoming summer months. As such, it’s important to know what to do in the event of an accident happening, particularly how to look after yourself after what can be a stressful occurrence. With that in mind, here are 4 ways to take care of yourself after a road accident.
EDUCATE YOURSELF ON WHAT TO DO IMMEDIATELY AFTER AN ACCIDENT
While crashes are rare, you never know what might happen on the road, so it’s best to educate yourself on what to do should you ever find yourself in a road accident before such an event occurs.
The AA have compiled a useful guide on what to do immediately after a road accident that you can find here. Knowing the basics – like it being an offence to leave the scene of the collision or refuse to give your details – can save you a lot of trouble, since you’ll need to gather and provide the correct information to ensure any personal injury or insurance claims are valid.
As the Mirror points out, “section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 requires that you report the accident to the police if a driver fails to stop, or refuses to exchange details, whether there’s injury or not.”
They also highlight that it’s a rookie error to apologise or accept blame at the scene of an accident, as this could actually be used against you later down the line. Better leave that quintessential British politeness parked at home in drive, then.
Read: 5 tips to be a better driver on the roads
SEE A MEDIC
While you may not have any serious injuries, it’s essential that you see a medic after your accident. Even if you just have bruises, this isn’t something you should ignore, both because you might worsen any underlying injuries and the fact that you’ll want to get confirmation of any injuries from an independent medical expert in case you need to make a claim.
So, following any road accident, check in with yourself and consider whether or not you need to visit a hospital A&E room as soon as possible and get evaluated by a doctor. If it doesn’t feel like an emergency but you’re not sure whether you should see a medical professional, call the NHS non-emergency advice line on 111.
A doctor, nurse practitioner or other medical professional, when seen face-to-face, will be able to recommend therapies and offer a timeline for recovery. What’s more, a medical report obtained shortly after the crash may be required for any insurance claims, as we mentioned.
Some people experience delayed pain after an accident. Whiplash and other injuries like numbness and back pain can hide themselves for a few days and even weeks after the incident, so keep alert to this moving forward from your accident.
Read: How to find the right legal advice after a road accident.
LET A LAWYER TAKE CARE OF THINGS
One of the most stressful parts of any accident is dealing with damages, insurance claims and potentially being taken to court. Or, of course, having to make such claims yourself.
All this stress will do no good for your wellbeing. Instead of dealing with it all yourself, consider hiring a personal-injury lawyer who can help you with the paperwork and legal proceedings going forward.
The experts behind Reich and Binstock emphasise the need to enlist the help of a legal professional in the quickest time possible. Doing so will help you seek compensation for all losses, including the full medical and income lost costs. They also advise that you should never accept an insurer’s first settlement offer as this will have the other parties best interest in mind, not yours.
Do be aware that if you’re making a personal injury claim, you do have three years to do so.
Read: 6 IDEAL tips for long motorbike rides in hot weather in the UK
SEEK SUPPORT
You’ll need emotional support from loved ones after an accident. Though you may be itching to get back on the road, it’s more important that you take care of yourself and allow time to recover physically and mentally after such a stressful life event.
In the long run, this is the most sustainable, responsible way to do things, both for yourself and for other drivers on the road. We wish you all the best!