About Car Crashes in Washington

A: First, STOP. Never drive away from the scene of a crash, regardless of severity. 2. Ensure the scene is safe by getting out of harm’s way, putting on your hazard lights or using a flashlight. 3. Call the police. 4. Take pictures of the crash and ensure you have an accurate record of the facts. 5. Ensure information is exchanged between parties: this includes information from witnesses as well as the name, address, and phone number of all people involved in the accident, including passengers. 6. Seek medical attention immediately if necessary, and report your accident to your insurance company as soon as possible 7. Consult a personal injury attorney to protect your rights and ensure you are receiving the best care and full compensation for your injuries suffered because of another’s negligence.

Being involved in a car accident causes adrenaline to be released into the system. This adrenaline rush can often make people feel fine initially, even if they are in fact injured. It is best to consult with a doctor if you are injured before going back to work to prevent further injury.

Typically, most insurance companies consider 72 hours to be a reasonable amount of time to see a doctor after being involved in a crash.

Common side effects after being involved in a car crash include headaches, cuts and burns,  back pain, pain to the shoulders and neck, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), abdominal pain, numbness, tissue damage and fractures, and varying degrees of physical and emotional damage.

Yes. The police report is the official account of what happened. Once the police have filed a report, you can protect yourself from fines and rising insurance rates. In addition, if there is no official police report, auto repair shops may not repair your vehicle’s damage.

After a shocking event like a car crash, our bodies respond by releasing adrenaline and endorphins. This biochemical surge is the body’s way of responding to danger. However, this can mask the physical symptoms of injuries for hours or even days.