Getting into an auto accident can cause you to not be in the right mind immediately after the accident. You may not be thinking clearly as you try to wrap your head around everything that just happened, and it can cause you to make some mistakes about what you should be doing. Here are some things you don't want to forget about if you get into an auto accident.

Injuries May Not Be Immediately Apparent

You may have left your vehicle after an auto accident and feel like you escaped uninjured. Unfortunately, that may not always be the case, since some injuries are not apparent immediately after an accident. You may be suffering from a concussion, whiplash, or a spinal injury that will take some time to form. Internal bleeding is also a possibility, with no way for you to see what is happening in your body to confirm it. That's why it's so important to get yourself checked out by a medical professional after an auto accident.

The Emergency Room Is Always An Option

If you don't have your own health insurance or if your insurance is not really good, you may feel like it is prohibiting you from seeing a doctor. It's important to remember that the emergency room is always an option for everyone. You will be able to get treated for injuries immediately, and even if you don't have insurance, the emergency room must see you and cannot legally turn you away. While an emergency room visit can result in getting a big bill in the end, that may be an expense you can get covered from the other driver's insurance company if they are the driver at fault.

Witnesses Can Help Prove Your Story

In many auto accidents, it comes down to being your word against the other driver. If the two of you have different versions of the story about how the accident happened, it can be difficult to prove who is really at fault. It will help to speak to as many witnesses as you can and write down their contact information. The story that the other driver tells may not be apparent for a long time, and if that does happen, you'll need those witnesses to back up your story. It will help to have any witnesses give a statement to police immediately to prevent this problem from happening.

For help navigating the legal system after an auto accident to receive compensation, reach out to a local auto accident attorney.