Auto accidents happen often and many find themselves in one at least once in their lifetimes. In 2013 alone, more than 2 million people were injured in an auto crash. The time after a crash can be hectic. Injuries can range from minor to life threatening. Medical bills and repair bills can also start to add up. For those who are injured in an accident sorting everything out can be stressful. Here are three things that should be done following an auto accident that causes injury.

Get Medical Insurance And File Insurance Claims

After getting injured in a car crash, seeking medical treatment immediately is a must. Even if the injuries seem minor, medical treatment is very important. Sometimes serious injuries may feel minor immediately after a crash. It's also important to have these injuries documented by medical professionals as quickly as possible. Next it's time to file a claim with the insurance company. The time it takes for a claim to be either approved or denied varies from case to case and from state to state. Some states have a designated amount of time within which the insurance must acknowledge claims while others just state that it must be within reasonable time period. A call to a state's insurance department can provide more details on these rules.

Hire An Attorney

If there are issues with the insurance claims or the other driver in the accident, then the next step for many will be to hire an auto accident attorney. Hiring an attorney that specializes in auto accidents is essential. An auto accident attorney has experience in dealing with insurance companies and can work to get their client the settlement they need in order to pay their current medical bills and their future medical bills. These attorneys usually charge a contingency fee between 25% and 40%, which means they get that percentage of the settlement. 

Don't Wait

Time is of the essence after being injured in a car accident. Medical care, insurance claims, and obtaining a lawyer are all things that should be done as soon as possible. There are also statute of limitations when it comes to claims from car accidents. These limitations vary from state to state and set the limit on the amount of time that can pass before a person loses their right to sue. An auto accident attorney will be well versed in these statute of limitations. 

Getting injured in an auto accident can be a big headache. Seeking medical attention and treatment is the first thing that should be done followed by making insurance claims and hiring an attorney. The injured party should also make sure that they do not wait too long to sue. An attorney (like those at Monohan & Blankenship) can help make the necessary decisions and ensure that the statute of limitations has not passed.