6 Things to Do at the Scene of a Car Accident

You’re driving along one day when bam! Your car got into a minor or major crash.

Suffering from a car accident can be a frightening experience. After all, the average cost of a serious injury from a car accident is $163,000, and a slight injury costs $12,000. Plus, the risk of getting injured from a crash is 56 times greater than from other accidents.

Thus, if you’ve recently suffered a road rash, you deserve compensation. However, if you don’t know how to address the incident behind the wheel, you might miss out on getting what you deserve. Don’t let this happen to you.

To ensure you’re one step ahead during the incident and after, here’s a guide on what to do after a car accident.

What to Do After a Car Accident?

If you got yourself in a car accident, there are certain things you can do to ensure your safety and protect your rights. Keep reading below to find out more. If you get into a car accident lawsuit, you can also consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options and ensure that your rights are also protected; you can find more information here.

1. Check for Car Accident Injuries

You should check yourself for injuries first and then check on the other people involved in the accident. If anyone got injured, call 911 right away.

Wait for emergency personnel to arrive and follow their instructions. Do not try to administer first aid unless you have undergone training.

Once emergency services have been notified, do not move any of the injured parties. If it is safe to do so, turn off the ignition of all the vehicles involved in the accident.

2. Move to a Safe Location

If you are able, move your car to a safe location, out of the way of oncoming traffic. If you cannot move your car, turn on your hazard lights and set up flares if you have them. This will warn other drivers of the accident and help to prevent additional accidents.

Put your emergency brake on to prevent your car from rolling. Stay in your car with your seatbelt fastened unless it is unsafe to do so, then move to a safe location away from the car. If you are not able to move your car, call for a tow truck. 

Once you are in a safe location, call 911 and wait for help to arrive. If you must exit your car, look for oncoming traffic and use extreme caution.

3. Check for Any damage to Your vehicle

After you’ve pulled over to the side of the road, you’ll want to assess the damage to your vehicle. Take a look at all of the panels on your car and check for any dents, scratches, or cracks. If there appears to be any damage, take pictures of it from different angles.

You should then check the damage of the other vehicle. This will help you determine how severe the accident was and if you need to call the police.

If the damage is minimal, you can exchange insurance information with the other driver and file a claim. However, if the damage is more significant, you may need to file a police report.

4. Gather Information

If you are able to, you should always try to get as much information as possible at the scene of a car accident. This includes things like the other driver’s name, insurance information, and license plate number. If there are any witnesses, you should also get their names and contact information.

It can also be helpful to take pictures of the damage to both vehicles and the surrounding area. Once you have this information, you can begin the process of filing a claim with your insurance company.

5. Exchange Insurance Information

If you are in a car accident, there are a few things you should do at the scene. One of these is to exchange insurance information with the other driver. This is important so that you can file a claim with your insurance company and get the repairs you need.

You should also take pictures of the damage to your car and the other car. This will help your insurance company determine who is at fault. Finally, you should call the police so that they can file a report. 

6. Call the Police

If you got yourself in a car accident, you should do is call the police. Even if the accident is minor, the police will be able to document what happened and help you exchange information with the other driver. If you have injuries from a car accident, the police will also be able to call an ambulance for you.

If the accident is more serious, the police will help to redirect traffic and make sure that everyone involved is safe. In some states, the police may also be able to issue citations if they feel someone was at fault for the accident.

Make sure to file a report. Get the names, badge numbers, and contact information for the officers. Ask for a copy of the accident report.

Get the contact information for any witnesses. Take photos of the damage to both vehicles and of the scene. Don’t admit fault at the scene.

Protect Your Rights After a Car Accident

If you are unlucky enough to be involved in a car accident, you might ask yourself, what to do after a car accident? There are a few things you should do to protect your rights. First, call the police and make a report.

Get the names and contact information of any witnesses. Take photos of the damage to both vehicles. Most importantly, do not say anything to the other driver or insurance representatives that could be used against you later.

Seek medical attention right away, even if you think you are not injured. After a car accident, you may be in shock and not realize the full extent of your injuries. For these reasons, it is important to have an experienced car accident lawyer on your side.

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