No matter how safe of a driver you are, you could find yourself involved in an accident. Many people innocently go about their day while driving safely, when they suddenly come across another driver who is not practicing such diligence. Unfortunately, reckless drivers cause accidents all the time, and those not at fault can suffer greatly. Car accidents are a complicated event, as the consequences can go far beyond the moment itself. For instance, a person may need to have their car repaired or replaced. Their injuries may be so severe that they are unable to return to work quickly. And surprisingly enough, a car crash may actually have an effect on an estate plan too.
What To Do After Car Crash
The first thing you must do in the event of a car accident is ensure the health and safety of yourself and those around you. Do you need medical attention? Are there others involved who were seriously hurt? If there seems to be injury to any degree, call 911 right away. Remember that you may not notice the full extent of your injuries until hours or days later, so it may be best to assume you are injured and call the police anyway. Even in mild collisions like fender benders where drivers were only traveling 15 MPH can be enough force to cause injury such as whiplash. For your best interest, call the police so they can help at the scene and file a report, and then get yourself a medical examination as soon as possible. If you are able, gather evidence and the driver’s information which can be used for your insurance claim. Then consider contacting a car accident lawyer for support as your claim is being handled or to file a civil lawsuit against the offending driver.
Impacts To Your Estate Plan
While upon first thought it may not seem like your estate plan is connected to your car accident, they certainly can impact each other. If the collision causes you injury and you are not able to communicate or speak your decisions clearly, then you will need someone to talk to medical professionals for you. If you have an estate plan already written, then you may have appointed someone to become your medical power of attorney in situations like these. As our friends at Cohen & Cohen would agree, this person may have to make medical decisions until you are able to regain consciousness or ability, so it’s imperative that you trust this individual to only do what is in your best interest. If you have not devised an estate plan yet, then you may want to, just in case you are involved in an accident that leaves you unable to communicate your preferences and wishes.
Car accidents and estate plans can collide if a victim sustains injury that causes them to not be able to speak or communicate. Having an estate plan and medical power of attorney chosen means you would have someone to handle the medical aspect for while you are recovering. To protect your best interests in the event of an injury accident, consider establishing an estate plan so that all your bases are covered.
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