The sensation of time is one of the most commonly reported distortions in an accident. Most report they feel a slowing of events, probably the result of the mind increasing its awareness to peak efficiency as a part of the our natural self protective reaction to stress. Before the disorientation and conscious knowledge of what has happened settles in, the mind and body have already begun to act.
The first conscious thoughts you have are in the form of a series of questions. Am I all right? Is my car destroyed? Is this a safe place? What is the condition of the other driver? All of these and more race through your mind in reaction to the trauma of an accident. That you have the faculties to make the assessment is good news in itself, perhaps you have escaped without a disabling injury.
With surprising alacrity you move to turn the engine off, remove your seat belt and determine of you can open the door and get out of the vehicle. The instinct not to remain trapped is strong. Although you move methodically, you sense a stress in the effort that is abnormal, you are generally sore all over. Still you manage to get out of your car and are relived to have done so.
Now the reality of the affect on your car comes to light. It is always a shock to see the result of a collision on an automobile. But as you take in the damage, you know that this is not the time to dwell on what happened to the car, there are other priorities. Your fear is allayed upon seeing the other driver has gotten out of his vehicle and is mirroring your action. Only now do you begin to realize there were others around who may ave witnessed the crash.
Numerous individuals have called 911 and the rush up to tell you first responders are en route and to ask if you are hurt. The well meaning Samaritans assure you they will remain to tell the police what the witnessed, a relief to you. It is now that you get your registration, proof of insurance and driver license ready for presentation to the police.
Witnesses come forward interrupting your calls to ask if you are all right and to assure you they will report what they saw to the police. On the phone, the insurance agent is gently guiding you through the information they need you to acquire for them to help you in filing your report and to set up repair or evaluation assistance, also asking if you will need transportation or if your vehicle can still be safely driven.
The fire and police arrive and you go through the lengthy description of the accident as you remember it for the investigating officer, who carefully documents your story. He assesses the weather conditions and other factors to determine their effect if any on the resulting collision. After he is finished talking to you and move on to other witnesses and the other driver, you feel an increasing overwhelming fatigue, and pain from injuries you had not discovered initially. This is the time to let your insurance agency know you may have more significant injuries that could elicit an injury claim so they can help you with that effort as well.
About the Author:If you have been involved in a car crash you should look at a personal injury claim and find out from a legal stand point if an injury claim can help improve your life.
