What to Do If You’re in a Car Accident During the Coronavirus Pandemic

by Vikas Bajaj

Getting into a car accident at any time is a stressful and traumatic experience, but it can be even more alarming during the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. It can be difficult to know how you should proceed with things like exchanging information, whether or not you should go to a hospital, and may feel pressure from the insurance company to settle since the courts are currently not taking personal injury cases. These additional complexities are certain to make this a difficult experience, but the following is intended to provide you with a guideline on how to handle the situation with composure.

Once you have gotten yourself to safety and your immediate medical concerns have been addressed, contact the team at Injury Trial Lawyers, APC to schedule a free initial consultation. We understand that this time in your life is likely very stressful, and that uncertainty of what comes next can only add to the stress. Our history of experience with car accident cases is a great indication of the level of support that you will get as one of our valued clients so that you can focus on important issues other than the legal steps ahead of you.

Read more below about what to do if you are in a car accident during the Coronavirus pandemic, and contact us now to get the legal support that you deserve.

What Do Do After a Car Accident While Social Distancing

Stay Calm

After an accident, your adrenaline is likely surging as you try to process what just happened The most important thing to do is to remain as calm as you can. Don’t feel like you need to take control of the situation, and instead focus on ensuring that you and your passengers get the care that you deserve.

Focus On Safety

After any accident, regardless of whether or not we are still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the most important first step is to make sure that you and your passengers are safe, and get an idea of the types of injuries that have been sustained. 

If possible, get either your vehicle or you and your passengers out of the way of any oncoming traffic, such as onto the sidewalk, into a parking lot, or into a median strip. However, if it is dangerous to leave the vehicle or if someone’s injuries don’t allow for them to be moved, stay where you are until the emergency responders arrive.

Call 911

Call 911 as soon as you are able to, and inform them of any injuries that you are aware of. The sooner they are alerted about the accident and the more information they have about the injuries that they will need to treat upon arrival, the better.

Exchange Information From a Safe Distance

If you and the other driver are both in the condition to exchange information, such as your insurance and contact information, you can do so while still observing social distancing guidelines. 

Get Medical Attention

If you have been injured at all, make sure that you work with EMTs at the scene. Whether or not you need to take an ambulance to the emergency room, you will also need to follow up with your own doctor. Both of these steps are important for your health but are equally important in that they establish an official record of your injuries. These will be important during your insurance claim.

Contact Injury Trial Lawyers, APC

After a car accident, you will need to contact the insurance company in order to initiate a claim. Many people believe that this is the first administrative step to take, but beware: the moment you contact the insurance company, they will be working to identify every possible way to reduce your settlement amount. By working with a car accident lawyer in San Diego, you can be confident that each communication with the insurance company is done with legal expertise and your best interest as the priority.

What Is Different About Car Accidents During Coronavirus?

Simply put, the most important distinction that you need to make between a car accident during Coronavirus versus a car accident otherwise is that you will need to stay distanced from the other driver, and to practice the same safety standards as you already have been. When you are working with EMTs, police, or the fire department, they will also be certain to take the appropriate safety measures.