After a car accident, it’s always hard to think clearly and to remain calm, but it is important to take a few deep breaths and make sure you and anyone involved is not seriously injured.  The next crucial step is to immediately call the police by dialing 911.

Filing a report with the police helps to protect all parties involved, helps prevent fraudulent claims and legal ramifications. Reporting an accident to the police is generally part of any insurance company’s accident protocol.

Additionally, it is incredibly important to report any accidents that you witness. As a bystander, your perspective could be invaluable to those investigating simply because you would be unbiased and, for the most part, emotionally uncompromised.

When you are involved in or witness an auto accident, follow these procedures:

1. Make sure it is safe for you to leave the area where the accident has happened. It may too dangerous to exit your car.
2. Stay at the scene of the accident until the police have come and gone. Make sure to get the name of the officer and provide them with your account of the event.
3. Get the information of all involved, including their names, addresses and insurance carrier.
4. Report the accident to your insurance company.

If you have further questions, call Petersen Johnson for our free initial consultation.

Whiplash is defined as “an injury to the cervical spine caused by an abrupt jerking motion of the head, either backward of forward.” Whiplash occurs when the head and neck are very quickly and abruptly thrust in one direction then back into the opposite direction. This can occur not only from car accidents, but also in contact sports such as football or soccer, slip and falls, or even a very sudden and vigorous sneeze.

Symptoms of whiplash affect your overall senses and body comfort. Symptoms might not occur for hours, days or even weeks after the accident. If you are involved in an accident, it’s important to follow up with your primary physician as soon as possible to see if any medical attention is needed.

Symptoms of whiplash include:

• Headaches, head and neck pains, stiff neck, muscle spasms
• Restricted head motion
• Equilibrium problems, loss of hearing, ringing in the ears and eyestrain
• Inability to concentrate, poor memory
• Pain between the shoulders, low back pains, tremors, rapid heartbeat

If you’re involved in a car accident but cannot afford medical attention, call Petersen Johnson to get help with a doctor who will await payment.