What happens if I am in a car accident while under restrictions for COVID-19

COVID-19 has substantially changed our everyday lives here in Virginia, and the rest of the country.  Even with the shut downs, life still goes on.  People are still driving, and when people are driving, they are still getting involved in car accidents and being injured.  If you are in a car accident during this time, there is a lot of things you can do, and things to keep in mind while dealing with an accident. 

SCENE OF THE CRASH

First, at the scene of the crash, be sure to keep your six feet of distance between you and the other person or persons.  Rather than handing over documents to each person, you can exchange cell phone numbers and take photographs of driver’s license and insurance information to send as a text message to each party involved.  This avoids contact and helps to retain information better for your records.  As always, make sure you photograph and document any damage to the vehicles, and if necessary, do not hesitate to contact the police. It is also a good idea to take a photograph of the individuals involved in the car accident and their license plates for later identification, if needed. 

INJURY AND TREATMENT

Secondly, if you are injured, you may be hesitant to seek care in the Emergency Room due to the ongoing COVID-19 crises.  If you are injured, you need to seek care and you should not hesitate to get the care you may need to protect yourself and to help in your healing.  The Hospitals are doing all that they can to protect their patients from potential exposure to COVID-19 during your care.  You need to remember that your family members will not be able to join you in the Emergency Room due to restrictions on entry into the ER’s.  Be sure to contact them to come pick you up, but they will not be able to be with you while you undergo treatment, and for their own safety they should remain away from the Hospital. 

Following the treatment in the Emergency Room, or even if you do not go to the ER, be sure to follow up with your primary care physician, if you have one.  Many doctors are offering telehealth and virtual visits and can offer you consultations, prescriptions, and referrals.  Further, many physical therapist, chiropractors, orthopedists, and neurologists are offering virtual visits if they are not able to see you for treatment.  It is always important to make sure you get treatment as soon as possible following an accident and doctors are prepared to help you during this crises. 

PAYMENT FOR TREATMENT

If you have lost your job during this time period and have then lost your insurance coverage, you may be worried about covering the bills for treatment.  Now is a good time to check your own auto policy to see if you have a coverage called:  “Medical Payments Coverage.”  If you do have this, this is no-fault money from your own auto insurance to help cover medical costs.  If you are reading this article before you are involved in a car accident, it is a good time to review your coverage and if you do not have Medical Payments Coverage, it is a good time to add it to your policy. 

INSURANCE COMPANY

The Insurance Company’s are open for business during this pandemic.  Most adjusters are working from home, but they can be reached to notify them of the claim and start the process of getting your car fixed.  Also, car repair shops are open during this time so that you can take your car in for repairs, as needed.  Just be sure when you are in the shop to follow all necessary social distancing guidelines and wear your mask and gloves. 

ATTORNEY

Our office is open for business.  While we are not allowing clients into the building, we can sign up clients remotely and start the process to your recovery, with our assistance, quickly.  As always, we recommend you hire an attorney to aid in this process as there are hurdles to overcome and we will zealously fight for your rights in dealing with the insurance company.