Being in a car accident is a jarring experience, making it challenging to concentrate on what you should do after. Taking the proper steps immediately after a crash prevents complications with the law and your health, also allowing claims for chiropractor and car appointments to go through smoothly. Below are several key steps to complete after an accident.

What to Do When You’ve Been in a Wreck

1. Call the Police

The first thing you should do is stop immediately. Fleeing the scene is a crime. Even if you don’t seem injured or there isn’t much damage to the vehicles involved, call the police to report the accident. You’ll need the report they file for your insurance company.

2. Set Up Flares or Cones

You should have an accident kit in the trunk that has reflectors, road flares, or cones to set up around the scene. These let other drivers know to avoid you. If you don’t have these items, turn on your emergency flashers until the police arrive and can cordon off the area. Don’t stand in the road if it’s dark out or if you’re on a busy highway.

3. Exchange Insurance Information & Take Pictures

If another vehicle was involved, check on the other driver and exchange insurance information with them. If they fled the scene, write down all the details about the car that you can remember and give it to the police. Whether the other car fled or not, take pictures of your vehicle and the surroundings for insurance. This ensures that evidence of damage and the scenario is on file.

4. Get Checked by Paramedics

Even if you feel OK, let the paramedics check you. Adrenaline and panic can prevent you from feeling some injuries for several hours. Paramedics know what to look for and can treat any immediate problems.

5. Follow Up With a Chiropractor

Even if paramedics have cleared you, schedule an appointment with a chiropractor within 48 hours. Sometimes, injuries can take a day or two to manifest. Neck and back pain are common in accidents, as these body parts get jostled the most in an impact. A chiropractor can conduct imaging and an exam to determine if there are injuries and how to treat them. Aches throughout your body are also common due to muscle trauma, which can be relieved through massage therapy or at-home remedies.

If you’ve been in an accident, contact Eastern Hills Chiropractic immediately and request personal injury care. Serving Cincinnati, OH, and the surrounding areas since 1988, they will perform a full workup and document everything for your insurance. Their innovative neck and back pain treatments include massage therapy and adjustments. Start filling out the paperwork now by visiting their website, and call (513) 528-2200 to schedule an appointment.