If you’ve been in a car accident, it’s important to be diligent, even if you don’t initially seem to have suffered any injuries. In some cases, symptoms will only appear days or weeks later, and in worst-case scenarios, car accident victims wind up in dispute with their insurance companies over benefits because they failed to report the accident when it happened.
While these events are rare, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to car insurance in Calgary. Insurance advisers recommend reporting car accidents to your insurer as well as your physician so you’ve established open lines of communication in case any complications arise.
What to Do in Case of an Accident
First things first: it’s important that you follow the recommended guidelines for actions to take immediately after an accident. Insurance companies advocate that car accident victims do the following, if safely possible:
- Move your vehicle safely to the side of the road, and activate your hazard lights
- Note the circumstances that led to the accident; write down where you were, the direction and speed of travel, and the positions of the vehicles involved
- Take down the information of the other driver(s) involved in the crash, including vehicle make and model, names, contact information and insurance information
- Call your insurance provider, regardless of whether or not you intend to file a claim
It’s also a wise idea to keep a disposable digital camera in your glove compartment at all times, so you can supplement your side of the story with photographic evidence.
Dealing with Health Care Providers after an Accident
If you’ve been injured, the first and most important thing to worry about is your own health and safety. Get necessary medical treatment immediately, and worry about the details later.
When it comes to auto accident injuries, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Even if you don’t feel as though you were hurt, you should make an appointment with your family doctor to get checked out. Certain symptoms may not develop until later on, and you want to set a precedent that strengthens your case for a claim, should that become necessary. The longer you wait to see a doctor, the more difficult it becomes to prove that your injuries were the direct result of a car accident.
Your doctor will conduct tests to see if you’ve suffered any injuries that may not be immediately apparent. Even if you’re cleared, you should monitor your health very carefully in the days and weeks following a car accident. Be especially vigilant for the following symptoms:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Unexplained, persistent headaches
- Generalized or localized pain that was not present prior to the accident
- Numbness or tingling
- Reduced energy levels
- Confusion, disorientation, or impaired cognitive performance
Should any of these symptoms develop, make a follow-up appointment immediately.
Documenting Your Medical Treatment after an Accident
It’s not something anybody likes to think about, but it is important to carefully document all aspects of the medical treatment you undergo for injuries suffered as the result of a car accident. First, be sure to keep receipts for all payments you make to healthcare practitioners, including specialists, physiotherapists, chiropractors, and anyone else who treats you. You should also document out-of-pocket payments for over-the-counter and prescription drugs used to treat the symptoms of your injuries.
Here are some additional documentation guidelines to make sure you will be eligible for a full reimbursement from your insurance company:
- Keep all emails, appointment slips and payment receipts in a dedicated folder, and make sure all such documents are endorsed by the healthcare provider for authenticity
- Save all proof of purchase receipts for potentially partially covered items such as limb braces, splints, casts, crutches, and assistive devices
- Note any lost wages or financial opportunities resulting directly from your car accident
- Document your injuries with photographs, as well as your recovery
- Keep track of any travel expenses you incur in seeking treatment
As a leading provider of car insurance in Calgary, Lane’s Insurance offers outstanding claims support and resources for their clients. Lane’s Insurance has earned its industry-leading reputation by providing first-rate service to all clients, so if you’re in the market for a new insurer, try us for a fast, free quote.
