Accidents, whether while driving a car or a horseless carriage back in the days gone by, have been injuring people for a long time now. But what happens or needs to be done after you’ve been involved in a crash is what is so important to know and understand.

While some people think it is better to first call their insurance company to report the accident, others think it is not really important to report the accident to the police. Then there are others who think minor injuries do not require medical attention at all, and the pain, stiffness, and other so-called ‘normal complaints’ will go away on their own.

Nothing could be further from the truth in all the instances that we’ve mentioned above. To bust such misconceptions and to help you understand how crucial those few hours are after a car accident, we have listed 3 most common myths and have tried to explain why they are not true.

Let’s dive in and find out more about them.

1 Myth: Minor injuries can be treated at home.

False.

While minor wounds like cuts and bruises can be taken care of at home, other injuries such as a concussion or whiplash require immediate medical attention after a car accident. The effects of such accident injuries usually reveal themselves after say a few days or weeks after a crash. Sometimes these hidden injuries can surface even after a month.

Injuries such as whiplash and a concussion can very quickly turn severe and cause serious long-term harm if not treated early. A concussion can cause swelling in the brain which can lead to serious damage. Even the insurance adjuster may not accept the delayed symptoms as those having been caused by the car accident due to the long gap between the crash and the injury revealing itself.

The most important and prudent step after you’ve been involved in a car wreck is to seek immediate medical attention for your injuries, even if you think they are minor. Let your auto injury doctor be the judge of the extent and severity of your car accident injuries.

2 Myth: Immediately call your insurance company after a car accident.

Not the right decision. Here’s why.

It’s true that insurance companies provide the much-needed payments in times of need, but what you fail to realize is that they are also businesses that are driven only by profit. They are out to make a profit most of the time.

When you call them to report that you’ve been involved in a car crash so you can file a claim, it is possible you may say things or present facts about the accident that could be misinterpreted. To avoid this it is better to let your injury lawyer do the talking. So, instead of calling your insurance company after a car accident it is wiser to call your personal injury lawyer who will help you get a fair value for your injury claim.

3 Myth: Every state has the same car accident laws.

False.

Every state of the United States has its own laws regarding car accidents that vary widely from one state to the other. From determining fault in the crash to filing a claim, everything depends on the state in which you reside.

In Florida there is the Florida No Fault Law. This is a law that confuses many people. It means that you receive compensation to some extent from your own insurance company for your damages even if you are at fault.

Also, one of the laws says that you must immediately report a crash to the local police department if it has caused injury to a person. Failing to do so can lead to you being cited with a non-moving violation under chapter 318 Florida Statutes.

A car accident lawyer from TK Injury Lawyers shares: “The laws governing car accidents can differ significantly from state to state, from how fault is determined to what kind of damages you may claim. In some states, the fact that you didn’t wear a seatbelt might reduce your potential claim, even if the other driver was entirely at fault. Understanding the specific laws of your jurisdiction is crucial.

Take Away

There are many more such myths about car accidents and injury claims, which we will cover in the times to come. But irrespective of what you believe in and what you don’t, our sincere advice to you is to never self-diagnose as far as accident-related injuries are concerned.

It is possible that what appears minor can very quickly turn serious and lead to complications or even cause life-altering situations. Whenever you meet with an accident, whether low-impact or severe, immediately get yourself to an auto injury doctor near you, without wasting precious time. This will not only benefit your injuries but could also turn out to be life-saving in the long run.