You’ll never want to get involved in a car accident. Unfortunately, it might happen anytime and anywhere. For that reason, many things might keep running in your head when you’re injured in a collision. Even if you’re bombarded with mixed emotions because of the situation, it’s essential that you know how to deal with it in the first place. Read on this article as we’ll provide eight things you need to do after a car accident.
- Be calm and stay at the scene.
Leaving the scene of the accident even if it’s a minor one isn’t helpful. It’ll just complicate the situation as it might appear that you’re at fault for the collision. In cases like this, staying at the scene can be the right thing to do. Plus, be sure to remain calm until you get help. Doing so will help you prevent having a heated argument with the other driver.
- Get yourself checked.
Most of the time, injuries brought about by car collisions don’t immediately show up. That said, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as you’re involved in an accident. Visit a local emergency room or see a family physician to get yourself checked as quickly as possible. This will help you determine whether you’ve sustained minor or severe injuries as a result of someone else’s negligence in the accident.
- Contact the police.
Whether you’re hurt or not, calling the police authorities after the aftermath of the accident is a must. You’ll need them to make a police report that you can use for filing a car accident injury or property damage claim against the party responsible for the collision. In any case, it’s vital to report what happened to these law enforcement authorities so they can document the scene. However, if they can’t come to the area, proceed to the nearest police station and report the accident yourself.
- Give an accurate statement of facts.
Once the police officers arrive, don’t hesitate to inform them about what happened but it doesn’t mean you have to guess or misstate any facts of the collision. If you’re uncertain, notify the police about it. When it comes to the injuries, don’t say no if you’re not sure. Instead, tell them you’re not sure since injuries caused by car accidents become evident few hours after the crash. In any case, make sure all the statements you’ve given and that of the other party are true and accurate.
- Get all the necessary information.
If the police officer doesn’t come to the accident scene, make the initiative to exchange information with all the people involved. Be sure to get all vital information such as the names, contact numbers, addresses of the other driver and the passengers. When it comes to insurance, obtain information by checking the insurance cards of all cars involved. If there are witnesses, don’t forget to ask information from them.
- Document the accident.
If you have a camera or a smartphone with you, don’t forget to take photographs of the accident scene. This includes the damaged vehicles, the traffic situation in the area, and other relevant scenarios. Also, if you sustain injuries, take some pictures of them as well. Remember, the records you obtain can be used to support your claim against the insurance company and the other party at fault. So, keep a file for all the documents and information you get and make sure they remain intact until you or your lawyer needs them.
- Consult an attorney.
Perhaps, one of the essential things you need to do after a car accident is to hire an attorney who specializes in personal injury claims. With their legal expertise, they can defend your rights and make sure you recover the right compensation for your injuries. Moreover, your attorney will be there to help you navigate all your legal options. They always have your best interests, which is why they’ll strive hard to obtain a judgment in your favor. To have an in-depth understanding of how a personal injury attorney fights for your rights, refer to this website for more information.
- Call your insurance company.
If you can, get in touch with your insurer while you’re at the accident scene. They might advise you of the essential steps to do after what happened. At most, they will tell you not to admit fault to anyone. What’s necessary for this situation is that you report the accident to them although you’re not injured so they can safeguard you when the opposite party files a claim against you or in the event you find out that you suffer injuries.
Conclusion
Car accidents are sometimes unavoidable. Even if you practice safety while driving, you’re still not excused especially if the other motorists don’t observe safe driving on the road. However, by following the steps in this article, you’ll be able to ensure your safety, obey the law, and protect your rights by hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer for legal representation.
