Victims can be scared and disoriented in the minutes and hours after a crash. And many are not sure who to call or who needs to know about the accident. Below is a quick guide on who you may want to tell about a crash.

Emergency responders

Getting police and medical assistance right away is crucial, even if injuries seem minor or are not immediately evident. This is one reason why there are laws requiring parties to remain on a crash scene – to ensure people can call for help.

However, in cases where parties flee the scene, or no one else can call for help, various apps and car features can notify the police. That said, if you have a vehicle that runs its emergency service notification feature on the 3G network, now is the time to determine if an upgrade is available, as that network will be shut down this year.

Employers

Notifying your boss if you will miss work or be late can also be important. Doing so creates a record of the time you cannot work because of a crash.

Telling your employer about a crash can also be vital if it happened in the course of your employment. Prompt notification of a job-related injury is necessary should you ultimately pursue workers’ compensation benefits.

Your insurance company

Informing your insurance company as soon as possible after a crash can be valuable for a few reasons. First, it ensures you do not miss your company’s deadline for reporting a collision. Second, the agent could provide pertinent information for what you can do next in terms of filing a claim.

Finally, failure to notify your insurance company in a timely manner could result in financial penalties. If you were a passenger in someone else’s car, you must notify both their carrier and your own.

A lawyer

In any collision, there is the potential for severe physical and psychological damages. Talking to a legal representative can help you build a case and file a claim for appropriate compensation. 

Of course, addressing your health and safety first is vital. However, it is important not to dismiss options like workers’ compensation, disability benefits and personal injury claims that could stem from a serious car crash, as they could help you through a difficult recovery process.