Are you prepared if you get into a vehicular accident?
While car accidents happen, you must know what to do in case you get into an accident. Knowing what to do after a car accident can make the difference between winning and losing your car accident settlement.
Get into the habit of being prepared. Keep reading to know what to do after a car accident.
Assess the Situation
After a car accident, the first step is to assess the severity of the situation. If the accident was minor and no one appears to be injured, it’s best to move the vehicles out of traffic and to a safe spot. Turn on your emergency flashers to warn other drivers of the accident.
Remain in your vehicle with your seatbelt fastened and doors locked until the police arrive. If the accident is more serious or someone appears injured, you should move to a safe area, but do not move any injured persons.
Call emergency services and request an ambulance, police, and fire services as necessary. Remain at the scene of the accident and do not attempt to flee—leaving the scene of an accident can result in criminal penalties.Â
Gather Vital Information
The first thing you should do after getting into a car accident is to gather vital information. It is important to jot down information such as the other driver’s name, license number, plate number, insurance carrier, contact information, and model of the car. Make sure to take photos of the accident scene, your vehicle, and any visible damage that was done.
If possible, it is also a good idea to try and get the contact information of any witnesses and speak to them. Gather all relevant information as soon as possible after the accident as it can be useful in the future.Â
Avoiding the Urge to Admit Fault
After a car accident, it is important to avoid the urge to admit fault. This is because doing so could be used as an admission of guilt in court and could result in financial and legal repercussions. No matter how much of the blame you may feel is yours, the moment after a car crash is not the time to start asking questions about the fault.
It is important to keep calm and focus on helping your passengers, if any, out of the situation. Immediate steps should be taken to assess any damage to the car and the environment to make sure no further injuries are caused.
Additionally, calling the police, insurance companies, and non-emergency medical services should be done promptly. Most importantly, one should stay within the given area and wait for law enforcement to arrive. This will ensure that an accurate and unbiased description of the scene of the accident is recorded.
Seek Medical Attention
Medical attention may be needed immediately to assess and treat any injuries. Even if you do not feel like you have been injured, it’s wise to get a medical evaluation to ensure no hidden injuries. Many serious injuries, such as internal bleeding or head and neck trauma, can be difficult to detect right away.
Medical personnel will be able to confirm whether or not you should go to the hospital or seek additional medical help. Additionally, if there have been any witnesses, your medical records may be used to corroborate any facts the witnesses have recorded. All of these factors make seeking medical attention after a car accident essential.
Contact your Insurance Provider
Doing so is important to ensure that you can get the coverage you need across all the necessary areas. This includes such as property damage, medical payments, and liability for bodily injuries. Contacting your provider will also help to start the claims process quickly and efficiently.
Provide your information and support documents to your insurance provider. This will also help to speed up the process significantly.
Moreover, your provider can recommend the best course of action and the proper parties to contact to settle the claim. Timely communication with your insurance provider is essential for the claims to be processed and you get compensated for losses experienced in the accident.
File an Accident Report
After a car accident, another thing to do is file an accident report. An accident report is an essential piece of information that insurers and law enforcement use to decide who is at fault and to estimate the cost of damages. This document provides a legal record of the incident and should include all relevant information including names and contact information of other drivers and witnesses, the severity of the damage, and the type of vehicle involved.
This report can be important if legal action is necessary down the road and is especially relevant when looking for help in choosing a DWI attorney. An accident report also proves the events leading up to a DWI charge and provides valuable evidence that your attorney can use to build a defense. Make sure that you have a record of the events surrounding the accident to ensure that your DWI attorney has the means to craft a strong and successful defense.
Document Everything at the Scene
Take pictures or videos of the damage in the aftermath of the accident. Note any skid marks or debris on the road and make sure you capture the other party’s license plate and the make and model of the car. Make sure you get the contact information of any witnesses.
Additionally, it helps to take notes regarding what happened leading up to and during the accident, and most importantly who was at fault. When you are done you will have a record of the scene and events. Documenting everything at the scene provides peace of mind and a strong defense of your case.
Remember These Things After a Car Accident
Following a car accident, your safety and health should always be your priority. After that, you should promptly contact the authorities and collect evidence pertinent to the accident such as photos, witness accounts, and insurance information.
When your rights are being threatened, you should contact a lawyer who specializes in personal injury law. Time is of the essence, so take these steps as soon as possible after the accident.Â
Keep exploring our site for more tips and guides about personal and auto accidents and more.
