What to Do If Your Spouse Is Badly Hurt in a Car Crash

use Receiving word that your husband or wife has been in a terrible accident can be among the most frightening of your life—even worse if you were in the car when it happened. Your world is thrown into instant upheaval, and you now have what seems like a thousand decisions to make—especially if your spouse isn’t in a position to make them on their own. You may be in shock, and with the gravity of the accident sinking in, you’re likely to feel confused and overwhelmed. What steps do you need to take right now to make sure your loved one is taken care of, both immediately and in the days, weeks, or months ahead? The following steps should give you a track to run on if your spouse is badly hurt.

Coordinate Immediate Medical Treatment

If your spouse is badly hurt, the first priority at this moment is to make sure your spouse receives immediate medical treatment—especially if their injuries are life-threatening. Medical treatment may begin with the paramedics at the scene of the accident, then continue once they are en route to the hospital. Stay in communication with the medical professionals treating your spouse, and make sure you keep copies of all medical records as they will inform your spouse’s personal injury claim.

Triage the Home Front

Once your husband or wife’s condition is stabilized, the next step is to make sure all details are taken care of at home and work. Do the kids need to be picked up from school? Is someone feeding the dog? Does your spouse’s employer need to be notified? What about your own job? To help you stay focused on your spouse’s care, arrange for a family member or friend to cover details on the home front until the immediate crisis passes.

Gather Necessary Evidence

Several months or even years might pass between your spouse’s accident and the day you file a personal injury claim, so during this time, it’s important to keep thorough documentation of what happened, the treatment your spouse received, and any expenses incurred. If you were there when the accident occurred, start gathering evidence immediately—photos, eyewitness accounts, etc. Obtain a copy of the police report of the accident and make copies of all relevant documents you receive from medical providers. You should also take careful notes about how your spouse is feeling, since this will help prove the extent of their injuries when it comes time to make a personal injury claim.  Keeping track of out-of-pocket expenses and doctors appointments with receipts and calendars may also help to tell the story of your spouse’s injuries and their impact.

Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

Medical bills, lost income, and other expenses associated with your spouse’s injuries can add up quickly. If the other person’s negligence caused the accident and injuries, filing a personal injury claim can hold that person liable to cover those costs. Losses related to pain and suffering are also recoverable in some cases. For best results, contact an attorney who specializes in personal injury law and has a good track record for recovering damages. Our team of personal injury attorneys has plenty of experience with severe injury cases, and we can help you and your spouse get the settlement you both deserve. Contact us for a free initial consultation.