Getting into a car accident is stressful enough in normal times. But if you get into a crash in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, chances are you will be dealing with more than a few extra layers of stress and uncertainty.
Below are three important tips to remember if you get into a car accident during these unprecedented times of the coronavirus pandemic.
- Take Extra Precautions at the Scene of the Accident
With “social distancing” the new norm and seemingly every part of the country subject to some version of a shelter-in-place order in an effort at containing the COVID-19 virus, this is a unique time to find yourself at the scene of a motor vehicle crash. Although it is important that you still keep a safe distance from others, you need to still remember that it is critical to exchange information with all parties and witnesses to the accident.
The exchange of important information includes:
- Names of everyone involved in the crash
- Driver’s license numbers
- Phone numbers
- Insurance policy information
- Names and address of registered vehicle owners
Exchanging such information does not require a hand-to-hand exchange of documents. One strategy is to stand six or more feet apart and verbally exchange all necessary information. You can also exchange phone numbers and text message the information (but remember to wait until you actually get the information from the parties before you leave the scene of the accident).
- It is Still Important to Get Necessary Medical Attention
If your car crash injuries do not seem critical enough to require immediate emergency medical attention at the scene or for you to be taken to an emergency room, you should still follow up for medical treatment. Getting into an accident during the COVID-19 pandemic doesn’t mean you should delay seeking medical care for your injuries.
Perhaps the first step for you to take is to call or email your doctor to get a sense of the current treatment climate, restrictions on routine care and your options. If you doctor is not providing in-person appointments, ask about setting up a telemedicine appointment or video call. Your Los Angeles car accident attorney can also provide you more options as how and from whom to receive medical care after a car accident.
The bottom line is that you should not wait a few weeks or a few months before you seek treatment. Even though the lack of access to medical treatment may be successfully argued to explain a gap in treatment, it is best to at least have a phone call record of your symptoms as part of your medical records.
- Be Prepared for Delays in Processing Your Accident Claim
As with every other facet of life pre-March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has upended the norms of business and government operations. This means the insurance carrier’s typical claim-processing timeline is probably going to take longer than pre-coronavirus times. Furthermore, if you have filed a personal injury lawsuit or will need to file one in your state’s civil court system, be prepared for delays and continuances.
We Are Here For You!
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, whether during the COVID-19 pandemic or before, the legal team at the Law Offices of Vahdat & Aboudi, APLC is here and ready to fight for your rights. We can answer any questions you have about how the coronavirus may affect your legal matters.
For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our experienced accident attorneys, please call us at 818-745-2974 or visit us at www.sfvlaw.com.