When it comes to knowing what you should do after sustaining car accident injuries in Atlanta, preparation is critical. Two important things: what you need to do to prepare for a potential car accident and what you need to do immediately following one.

Knowing these will help you stay safe and maintain your health. If you’ve been injured, you also need to get the information that will provide you with the clearest way toward an easier recovery. Here’s some essential information about what to do before a car accident.

Is Your Car Prepared?

The goal for everyone is to avoid having a car accident in the first place. Still, it’s best to be prepared for every situation. Make sure that you’ve got working seat belts, child seats, and that your insurance and registration are inside your glove box. You would do well to have a well-stocked first aid kit, working camera and a flashlight. Don’t forget your cell phone.

What You Need To Do Immediately After a Car Accident

After an accident, the first thing you need to do is discover if you or anyone else in your vehicle is injured. If injuries are present, you’ll need to get help right away. Use your cell phone to dial 911. Check on the other driver. If everyone is okay and without injuries, check out the damage. Only if the cars are operating, move them to the shoulder and out of the way of traffic. If there are injuries making it impossible to move, you’ll need to stay on the street and wait for help to arrive.

After an accident, if you’re in a position to check the damage, use your phone camera to photograph what happened to your car. Include specific damage, your license plate, and the license plate of the other car. Capture the scene itself and where you are on the highway. If possible, include regional features that will show your location. Get the insurance company information of the other driver and exchange your name and contact info. You can also call your own insurance company to begin the claim process. Your insurance company may be able to help you with a tow truck and other services.

Learn more about When To Go To a Doctor or Chiropractor After a Car Accident

Injuries? This is What You Need To Do

If you’re hurt, you’ll need to go to the doctor. You may have to go to the emergency room and be quickly discharged because the injuries aren’t serious. However, even if you have a minor injury, you may experience complications down the line.

Feeling pain after a car accident is an indication that something needs to be properly checked out – and as soon as possible. Follow up with a visit to a clinic where they offer advanced imaging and diagnostics. X-rays may not show your full injuries, especially if you don’t have bone fractures. Just because you don’t have anything appear on the X-ray, that doesn’t mean you don’t have valid injuries. You could be suffering from soft tissue damage.

MRI or CT scanning provides enhanced imaging of your injuries. This technology can find the extent of any soft tissue injuries and guide recommendations for recovery. The resulting images can also serve as proof of your injuries you can use in a legal case. Trust your instincts and get evaluated by our professional Atlanta orthopedic doctors. AICA Orthopedics provides comprehensive chiropractic and orthopedic care, as well as state-of-the-art imaging and diagnostics. Contact us today at (404) 855-2141 to schedule a consultation.